#it's from scrolling through all them seal photos

[the-travelling-witch]

𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐒 𝐎𝐍 𝐌𝐘 𝐒𝐊𝐈𝐍

summary: opening up about your insecurities is a daunting thing, but suna lets you know you’re in good hands

pairing: suna rintarou x afab! reader

warnings:  smut/ comfort, minors dni; skin-related insecurities (acne, scars, bumps, etc) with comfort, unprotected sex (use condoms, don’t get a kid or a std), pet names (doll, pretty), marking, very wholesome spice if you can say that jsjsh, also very self indulgent; i wanted to name it ‘under my skin’ first, so now i have mirotic stuck in my head

happy birthday, rin!! ♡

haikyuu masterlist

Flickering colours illuminated your dimly lit living room in arrhythmic sequences, the voices of actors paired with underlying music bouncing around the apartment. Next to you, snuggled up under a cosy blanket with you, was your boyfriend, his eyes fixed on the TV but keeping you close to his side with an arm curled around your middle. 

Leaning against his sturdy body, you sunk further into the hoodie you had stolen from his side of the closet earlier and you inhaled a noseful of the scent clinging to it, a familiar mixture of Suna’s body wash and cologne. Underneath you, you could feel his muscles flex and relax with every breath and every laugh and, inevitably, your mind drifted from the scenes on the screen to the man next to you.

There was no doubt about it, when it came to boyfriends, you somehow managed to snatch up the price catch all for yourself. Suna was attentive, caring and funny; he always checked in on you, brought food when he knew you hadn’t eaten, sent you photos, voice messages and even flowers when he was away for work and generally pestered you to take care of yourself. 

Besides all of that, he was also, of course, ridiculously beautiful. Be it his well-built body showing through every outfit he wore, whether it was loungewear, work out clothes or a suit, or the defined features of his face, the sharp slant of his olive eyes only being the highlight, he was sure to garner attention. And he did. Quite a lot, actually. The fantaken videos of him sighted on the streets or the edits you scrolled past on your timeline definitely proved your point.

Still, Rin never made you feel unwanted, the opposite, really. You could be lazing around on the couch when Rin made it seem as if you were posing for the cover of Vogue, bending down to shower you in kisses as his hands wandered like he had no control over them. Or the way he’d sidle up behind you, leaning his weight onto you like an overgrown cat just to show you dumb videos while you go about what you were doing.

Your own mind, however, was not always as kind to you as your boyfriend.

Case and point, as you looked up at him and studied his sharp jaw and smooth skin, your thoughts started heading to a darker place, one you normally kept under tight lock and seal. Certainly, no matter how genuine his compliments were, there was no way he actually meant any of them, only trying to make you feel better about yourself. After all, what would someone like him see in someone like you? 

A tap to the tip of your nose pulled you back into reality, blinking to see bright green eyes sparkling down at you. The arm around your waist adjusted its grip, allowing you to turn towards him better but holding you close again the second you had settled.

“What are you thinking about? The film’s not that deep of a thinkpiece.” The lighthearted tone and tiny smirk playing around his lips were contrasted by the inquisitive raise of a brow, letting you know he was quite serious about your answer. “And it’d better not be anything stupid.”

“Oh you know,” you vaguely gestured towards the screen as you avoided his gaze, “there’s just no way they could’ve made it out of that building before the bomb went up. That was so much longer than 30 seconds.”

There was a soft touch against your cheek where calloused fingertips tilted your head back towards him, not forcibly but determined. You were more starkly made aware of the heat radiating from his body as he leant further into you, the arm around your back giving you no chance to wind yourself out of his proximity. Under other circumstances there would absolutely be no way you’d want to in the first place. But you knew Rin was sharp enough to deduce exactly where your mind had gone if you gave him only the faintest of clues and you really didn’t want to disrupt your movie night with your insecurities.

“Very cute, doll, but you never pay attention to realism. Besides,” the ends of his hair tickled your face as his lips ghosted the shell of your ear, “do you really think I didn’t notice you burning holes into the side of my head? If there’s something you want, you only need to ask.”

“That’s what you got from that, Rin?” You laughed, pushing his head from the crook of your neck with the pad of your forefinger. “Could it be that you're projecting your own thoughts onto me?”

“What else could I be thinking about when someone this pretty has been clinging to my side the entire evening?” Your boyfriend hummed the question thoughtfully before your centre of gravity shifted. A surprised gasp later, you found yourself in his lap with your knees bracketing his hips, courtesy of the muscles flexing against the small of your back where he kept you pinned to his front. “You can’t blame a guy for getting ideas when you’re this cute.”

“You’re such a horndog, Rin,” you giggled, melting into his hold as his large palms smoothed out the material of his sweats covering your thighs, the repetitive motion relaxing as you lost yourself in each other’s eyes, despite having done so a million times before.

“It’s all your fault, doll,” Suna murmured and your gaze automatically tracked the movement of his mouth as it formed the words. Inspired by you, he mirrored the action and then his lips were on yours.

The kiss was slow and unhurried, your lips moving languidly against each other, giving you all the time in the world to bury your fingers in the hair of his nape. The swipe of his tongue asking for entry was accompanied by firm hands grabbing at your hips and pulling you so flush against him, it was like he wanted to become one entity altogether. You happily parted your lips for him so your tongues could tangle together in the same rhythm of his arms moving you to grind down on him.

When his warm hands explored the bare skin under his hoodie, however, it was like someone had sounded the alarm bells in your head. Sure, you’d been intimate with Suna plenty of times, that was nothing new, but so far, you’d avoided any positions where your back would be on display or his hands could roam too freely across it. Up until this point, you’d put up excuse after excuse and the brunet had respected your wishes but slowly you were running out of fronts to put up without addressing the real issue.

Over time, you’d gotten used to Suna seeing your face with all blemishes and impurities on display, more out of necessity than free will in the beginning. You couldn’t hide your face from him forever after all. In typical Rin fashion, he’d been so gentle and reassuring about it, thanking you for putting your trust in him and nearly making you cry in the process. 

Your back, however, was an area you could cover up way easier and that was how you kept it. The thought of him seeing the redness and scars littering the expanse of the skin there, running his hands over it and feeling the bumpy texture where other people’s would be smooth, it made you shrink in on yourself. As you wrecked your brain for a new excuse and got ready to push his hands down to your hips again, he withdrew them from the hoodie himself, making the garment feel much too big on you as he took his warmth with him.

“There’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you for a while now,” Suna began, his voice calm as one hand settled back against your hip and the other cradled your cheek. Your fidgeting must have conveyed your discomfort, because he started drawing tiny circles onto your cheek bone, the callouses from years of playing volleyball contrasting the softness of his touch, making you subconsciously lean into the movement. “I didn’t know how to bring it up but at this point I feel like I need to know… Is there a reason you’re so reluctant to show me your back? And don’t say you don’t know what I’m talking about, I know you better than that.”

“Ah, so you noticed,” you meekly replied, swallowing hard around the words stuck in your throat. “What gave it away?”

“You’re not the best at lying to me, you know. It was pretty obvious you were making excuses for something else.” You felt like a cartoon character getting hit with an arrow through the stomach. “I just want to understand what’s putting you so on edge, so I can fix it. Whatever it is, you can tell me and I’ll work hard so you can trust me. But I won’t know what I did if you won’t tell me.”

“What you did?” You echoed incredibly. “Rin, you’ve done nothing wrong, more like the opposite, honestly. You’re like the guy out of anybody’s dreams, of course I trust you.”

“Then what is it? I don’t want to pressure you but I hate to see you uncomfortable,” Suna’s voice was soothing like a fireplace in winter as his finger smoothed out the furrow of your brows, silently telling you to take all the time you needed, he wouldn’t judge.

“It’s just– My back it’s so ugly,” you weakly admitted, opting to hide your face in the crook of his neck when holding eye contact became too painful. For a split second, Suna went as rigid as you had earlier before gingerly setting his hand down on the top of your back and running it lightly up and down to test your reaction. “Everyone has this perfect, smooth skin but mine is full of scarring and blemishes and I… I don’t want you to see how hideous I– it is.”

“Oh baby, that’s not true,” he soothed. “You are so stunning, I could never think you’re ugly.”

“No, you would,” you disagreed, shaking your head. “I already don’t know how you can say that with so much confidence, I don’t want to ultimately prove you wrong.”“So instead you just made the decision for me?” Ah, his signature deadpan response.

“Huh?”

“You are so convinced of your own perception you won’t even entertain the thought I could see something else entirely. I’m a lot of things but not a liar, doll. When I tell you you’re beautiful, I mean it.” To show he wasn’t taking offence at your words, he tapped the tip of your nose again when you emerged from your hiding spot to peer up at him. Bouncing you in his lap as if to jostle the negative thoughts from the forefront of your mind, mischief gleamed in his eyes. “Do you really think I’d put myself into this position just to make someone feel better? Usually, I only try to fuck unbelievably attractive people on my couch.”

“Oh my god, Rin! You’re such an idiot!” You were well aware your boyfriend had the tendency to be shamelessly blunt and it still made you smack your palms against his chest, though your shoulders did feel lighter at his very characteristic way of encouraging you. “Also we bought this couch together, so it’s mine as much as it’s yours.”

“The point still stands,” he nonchalantly answered, trailing one finger down the dip of your neck as his half-lidded eyes tracked its path before finding yours again. You knew that look well and it made your earlier arousal flare up again. “You’ll give me a chance to prove you wrong, won’t you, pretty? I promise you won’t regret it.”

You hesitated for a moment before mustering up all your courage. Suna had never betrayed the trust you placed in him and he’d not given you any reason to doubt him this time either. “Alright, fine.”

“Thank you.” You could feel his smile against your temple when he leaned forward to place a small peck there. “Hmm now where were we? Oh, that’s right.”

Long fingers splayed over the back of your head to tilt your head up so he could reconnect your lips once more. Just like before, the kiss started off slow and built in intensity until you were gasping for breath, a thread of a saliva connecting you until it broke from the rocking of your hips. Having foregone a bra that night, your nipples rubbed against the soft lining of the sweater, perking up from the friction.

This time, when his hands snuck under your clothes, you didn’t move to stop him, instead letting the warmth of his palms spread across your back. Slowly but steadily his touch rose higher, his fingertips nearly massaging the skin with the light pressure he was exerting. At the same time, his mouth moved south as if he wanted to meet his hands in the middle, trailing a hot path of kisses from the corner of your mouth to your jaw to just below your ear.

“The calluses of my hands, do they bother you?” A little disoriented by the low timbre of his voice and confused by the sudden question, you quickly made it known you liked them quite a lot, to which he chuckled. “See, at first, I was really insecure about it. Such rough hands handling something so precious, that didn’t seem right. But I learnt pretty quickly I was fussing about nothing, considering how you seem to love holding my hands or cumming all over my fingers.”

“That’s not a fair comparison,” you nearly whined, both at his choice of example and the way he bucked his hips up into yours. Your face felt as if it was set ablaze as his hands roamed and kneaded whatever part of skin they could find and your hips kept up a steady rhythm. “You have such nice hands, Rin.”“Something you made me aware of,” he smiled. When his lips reached the point where the collar of the hoodie wouldn't allow him to go any further, his hot breath fanned the expanse of your throat and his fingers played with the hem of his piece of clothing. “Let me do the same for you, yeah? Are you comfortable with taking this off?”

“Yeah,” you quietly affirmed, nodding your head at his request. With his help, the soft material slipped over your head and arms before being tossed somewhere next to the two of you and you fought hard to return your hands to his shoulders in lieu of covering up your bare body. 

“Shit, I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of seeing these,” Suna groaned, cupping your breasts with appreciative hands, forefingers and thumbs immediately working on rolling your pert nipples between them as the other digits fondled the surrounding area. “Look how perfect these look in my hands, like they were made to be held by me.”

A soft sigh of his name escaped you as you tilted your head back at the sensation of his warm hands contrasting with the temperature of the living room. It drew his attention back to the exposed column of your neck, focusing on the task of sucking a pulsing bruise against the spot that he knew made you weak. 

However, what you didn’t expect was him reaching around you to ghost his finger up the length of your spine, sending electricity right through you. Combined, the actions effortlessly pulled a gasp from you as you arched your back against his chest, which resulted in you pressing down hard against his bulge. His groan reverberated against your chest, a beautiful and husky sound which made you crave to hear more.

“Did that feel good? I bet it did,” Suna whispered against your feverish skin, fingers splaying out in the dip oy your back to keep you steady. “I can make you feel so much better, you know that. Just say the word.”

By now, your panties were probably soaked through as your clit pulsed with need, hips rocking in search for more friction but not getting enough to satisfy that itch inside of you. With how your heart was hammering against your ribcage, you could’ve bet Rin was able to feel it too, even through the material of his shirt. Balling the material in your fists you whimpered, “Rin, I need more, please.”

He grinned against your shoulder, pressing your chest tighter against his and grabbing the fat of your thigh with his free hand. Without any strain, he flipped you over so your back hit the couch cushions and he towered over your form, your legs still spread around his waist.

Running his hands down and back up the length of your legs, squeezing your thighs and calves appreciatively, his touch made goosebumps spread all across your body, no matter how seating it was on you. When his fingers reached the waistband of your sweatpants, playing with it as he leaned into your space, his heavy gaze met yours once more.

“Can I take these off?” No matter how clear it was you wanted this too, Suna would always ask. This night too, you willingly lay yourself in his hands as you lifted your hips to help him shimmy your pants off you, tossing them in the vague direction of the hoodie without taking his eyes off of you. He especially didn’t want to miss the string of slick sticking to your panties as they followed suit.

Drinking in the sight of your nude form, he traced a reverent finger over the seam where your legs met your hips, purposefully applying only a hint of pressure, knowing the featherlight touch was driving you positively insane. Slowly circling further in, he then caressed your outer lips covered in soft pubes, collecting your arousal with an experimental stroke over your slit but intentionally missing where you wanted him most.

“Rin, don’t tease,” you whined, squirming against the couch cushions.

“Sorry, doll, but you just look so pretty like this,” he mused, bright eyes showing not a hint of remorse. “I just have to indulge a little.”

And indulge he did. When he finally grazed his thumb over your neglected clit, his touch seemed to scorch, which only served to fuel the desire inside of you and it inevitably coaxed a wanton moan from you. Incredibly adept at reading you and keen to hear more of your sweet noises, Suna easily slid his middle finger into your hole, that at this point had been clenching around nothing. With how wet you were, he was met with no resistance at all and soon complied with your pleas for more and added his ring finger to the first.

“Shit, baby, you’re clinging to my fingers,” Suna voiced his thoughts as he smoothed one hand down the length of your leg once more to grab your ankle. Keeping up the steady pumps of his hand, curling his digits right into the spot that had your leg spasming in his hold, he turned his head to kiss the joint in his hold. However, he didn’t stop there. 

As if your leg was a fuse and he was the fire, Suna leisurely crept his affections higher, over your calves and past your knees, until you really felt ready to explode. Dimpling the flesh under his fingertips, he tightened the hold on your thigh so he could suck a myriad of hickeys on its expanse, unbothered by your incessant writhing. 

His hot breath fanned your core as his plush lips mapped out the juncture of your leg, paying careful attention to the area littered with stretch marks and covering the cause of some of your insecurities with his own marks. Like he wanted to claim your body as his, not that of the doubts in your mind. When he was satisfied with the blotches of red forming on your skin, he finally pulled back to admire his work.

“Have I been neglecting you lately?” Suna whispered, almost drowned out by the squelches of your pussy as he scissored his fingers. Looking up at you over the length of your heated body, he replaced his thumb with his kiss-swollen lips, placing a sweet peck against your clit and teasing it with the tip of his tongue. “Don’t worry, I’ll make up for it. You should never feel like this about yourself.”

“It’s not your fault, Rin,” you breathily reassured him only to be shushed by idle fingers dancing across your lower stomach, then precisely pressing down where his other hand was crooking up into.

“What kind of boyfriend lets his baby feel anything less than gorgeous?” Snaking one arm around your arched back, his long fingers covered a large part of it and held you steady against his chest as the coils in your stomach wound tighter and your toes curled at his sides. “I wish I could show you what I see. But since I can’t, I’ll have to settle for conveying it like this.”

His thumb had taken up its former spot again, resumed drawing firm figure eights on your clit and your nipples rubbed against the front of his shirt where Suna curled over you to reach your lips with his. Under the influence of his messy kiss, you felt like you were set ablaze as your boyfriend encouraged you to let go for him.

Someone might as well have replaced your blood with molten lava as your orgasm washed over you with fiery intensity and sweat pearled on your temple. Your arms slung around his body as your hands searched for whatever they could grab to hold on, be it the muscles of his shoulder or his dishevelled dark locks. Your lungs were already burning with the need for air but if you stopped kissing him, stopped vocalising your pleasure right for him to swallow it up, you thought you might die.

Suna kept up his ministrations until you were trembling like a candle in the wind before he even considered pulling his fingers from you. With half lidded eyes you watched as he brought the digits up to his mouth, cleaning up your mess with slightly exaggerated lewdness and moaning at your taste.

As he sat back up, he kept you flush against him and returned you to the position that started this all. Only this time your heightened sensitivity made you hyper aware of his arousal underneath you. 

“How are you feeling, pretty?” Nosing the crook of your neck lovingly, Suna nibbled on your salty skin where your quickened pulse thrummed underneath. His strong hands massaged your sides as you caught your breath and willed your chest to stop heaving. “Do you want to keep going?”

“You can’t do all of that and then deny me this,” you laughed breathlessly as you rolled your hips into his prominent bulge which caused him to inhale sharply. On top of everything, your boyfriend was also fucking hung, something his sweats didn’t hide in the slightest. “But I need you to take this off first.”

“Your wish is my command,” he chuckled, shrugging the shirt over his head unceremoniously, his biceps and triceps flexing in the process. While he busied himself with untangling himself from his pants, you ran an appreciative hand over the firm planes of his abs and up his pectorals. “Like what you see?”

“You know I do,” you mused, pressing a kiss against his jaw. “Got so lucky with you.”

“Hey, that’s my line,” Suna smiled, letting his hands roam over every dip and curve of your body as he urged you to straddle him again. Wasting no time, you started rocking yourself over his length, gasping every time his head caught your clit while you covered him in your arousal. After starving himself of stimulation earlier to focus entirely on you, your boyfriend shuddered at the contact. “You already feel so good doll, how am I supposed to last like this?”

“It’s okay, I want you to feel good too, Rin,” you stated but your movement was promptly stopped by two heavy hands on your hips. There was a subtle flush decorating his complexion and your heart skipped a beat. Was he really this affected just because of you? “As tempting as that sounds, tonight is all about you. No room to argue.” There was a tender finality in his tone, one that made clear he really wouldn’t budge on the topic, so you relented and melted into his hold. “Are you ready?”

“As I’ll ever be.”

Yes, this wasn’t the first time you’d been intimate with Suna, but it still felt like it. Every time he sunk his cock into you the stretch had you tossing your head back. From the way his thick tip slowly breached the tight ring of muscle, to the pleasant friction of his veins sliding against your walls and the satisfying feeling of being stuffed full, you believed you’d never get used to it.

“You always take me so well,” Suna panted as he bottomed out, fingers flexing against the pudge of your ass as he willed himself to patience to let you adjust to his girth, no matter how heavenly your warm cunt felt enveloping him. 

“Fuck Rin, I need you to move. Please, I–” Your brows were furrowed and you supported yourself on his chest as you started circling your hips against his while his cock pressed against all your sensitive spots so nicely.

And who was he to deny you when you asked so sweetly? 

Starting with slow and deliberate thrusts, you both knew it wouldn’t stay that way for long. While Suna normally prided himself on patience, even his was running thin by now and soon after, the rhythmic slapping of your thighs on his echoed around your apartment as he effortlessly moved you up and down on him, each thrust seemingly deeper as the previous one.

Not able to keep yourself upright for much longer, you slumped against his equally sweat-slicked chest and surrendered yourself completely to his actions, opting instead to claw at his back every time a particularly well aimed stroke had you clench your eyes shut. It was the best kind of torture and if you were exposed to it for too long you might actually go mad.

With your head nestled in the crook of his neck it gave Suna the perfect view down your back, admiring the way it bowed so graciously against his broad body or how your ass bounced with each slap of his thighs. How you were able to see anything but your beauty was something he just couldn't get behind; not because he was without insecurities but because no part of you could ever be a flaw in his eyes. Not when it made you who you were.

His fingers fluttered over the curve of your spine again, eliciting a more visceral reaction as your body shuddered and you pressed yourself tighter against him, trying to evade his searing touch while simultaneously craving more of it. Your whole body felt like you were boiling from the inside out, every part his scorching hands touched sizzling with nerves.

The constant grind of his pelvis against your clit had your walls gripping his length like a vice, making it increasingly harder for your boyfriend to pull out, let alone hold his own release back for much longer. Dipping his head down with a groan, his lips connected with your shoulder as his fingers kneaded and fondled wherever he could reach. Perhaps by the time you woke up tomorrow you wouldn’t see the blemishes you agonised over but the imprint of his fingers on your waist or the love bites littering your shoulder.

“If you don’t like these marks, I guess it’s on me to cover them with my own,” he mumbled lowly, perhaps more to himself than to you. Either way, the deep rumble of his voice so close to your ear followed by the sound of him reattaching his lips where he had left off shot down your spine like a lightning bolt. “You’re close, aren’t you? C’mon, you can do it. Show me how beautiful you are when you cream on my cock.”

The effect Suna’s voice and words had over you should maybe concern you. But you didn’t care as you came for the second time this night with a cry of his name on your lips, weightless as your boyfriend rode out your orgasm while chasing his own. Just as you came down from the aftershock of pleasure, Suna pushed inside of you as far as he could and painted your insides white.

For a few minutes, neither of you said anything, content to stay lost in the feeling of the other as two sets of hands explored the shared silhouette of your bodies. Kisses were exchanged or randomly placed wherever you could reach, Suna caressed your sides and you swept sweaty bangs out of his eyes.

“So,” Rin broke the comfortable silence, “are you still hellbent on arguing with me on this?”

Picking up his hint of playfulness, you decided to lean into it. “Hmm I dunno, the jury’s still out.”

“I thought you might say something like this,” he chuckled, pinching your side between his eyes, resulting in you yelping in surprise and sending him a half-hearted glare which was only returned in mischief. “Good thing I already planned to bend you over the back of the couch and paint your back. Bet you’d look lovely, even if you can’t get any more gorgeous than you already are. Same place and time tomorrow work for you?”

“You’re such an idiot, you know that?” You laughed at his shrugged ‘Might have mentioned it before’ before leaning up for a brief peck. “But sure, I’ll clear my schedule for you.”

After your movie night had effectively been rebranded into a shared bath Suna had drawn for you, you let the warm water rinse away most of the soreness you felt in the moment. Despite the tub being a rather snug fit with your professional athlete occupying a big chunk of it by himself, you let yourself relax against his chest.

Rin had taken it upon himself to gently scrub your body down for you, being extra careful with any of the spots he might have been a little rougher on. When it was time to dry off, he took his time to shower your back in kisses; every mark he left, every scar, every blemish, he covered them all equally in his affection and adoration. 

“I love you,” he murmured when his eyes met yours through the mirror and he tangled your fingers together. “I would never dream to change a single thing about you.”

“I love you too,” you whispered back, like it was a secret only meant for his ears. “Thank you for being so patient with me.”

“It’s nothing you have to thank me for.” Suna brought your hand up to his lips to leave a lingering kiss there too. “I’m just doing what any good boyfriend should.”

Later in bed:

“How much did you have to hold back from saying ‘I’ve got your back’?”

“You have no idea.”

© the-travelling-witch 2024 - do not repost, translate, copy or edit; do not copy into an ai

if you like my content, reblogs, comments and asks are always much appreciated ♡

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[drasilfaemir]

SUN'S OUT TONGUE'S OUT

My entry for the Unsounded Fanworks Contest and tribute to the bestest girl Pantoffel! If you like it please give it a vote!

Edit: Holy shit you guys! I won?! Thanks to all who voted and hope you enjoyed it!

In the meantime, here are some detail photos and a breakdown of the work that went into making it under the cut, featuring the bestest boi and model, my pupper Sharky. Scroll to the end for a special treat!

The saddle is real leatherwork at a tiny scale. Everything patterned, wet-shaped, dyed, finished, and assembled by yours truly. The saddle blanket is custom-made to match as well. The seat of the saddle is stitched to the base just at the front and back to allow the pieces to move in relation to each other for a more comfortable fit.

The pommel and backrest are both modeled and 3D printed by yours truly as well, with sports tape for the fabric on the pommel. Both are attached using rivet backings set through hollow points in the prints.

From the back more detail can be seen for the backrest. It is wet-shaped and stretched over the base, and then flathead pins were cut short and turned into the tiniest nails to nail it in place. No glue was used at all in it's construction.

The collar was constructed so that it fit around Sharky's head and then the tension in the straps under his legs pulled it tight. Those straps are attached to loops placed in the stitching with lobster clasps. Much of the construction is hidden in his majestic chest fluff, but a good chunk of it can be seen here.

And now on to his co-star, Captain Emil Toma!

This was a Finn action figure that I did heavy modifications to. Original details were mostly sanded off for a vaguely person-shaped base thar I then sculpted details back onto with epoxy-putty. Even his face recieved a bit of shaping to change the underlying bone structure to match Emil better. All of the original joints still move save for his left wrist, which needed to be sealed in place lest his hand fall off. The gun the figure was holding was replaced by his sword. I decided to stick to mostly early/mid-comic designs, picturing this as a toy a Crescean kid might play with before the events of the comic take place.

From the back we can see the leather pouch which was hand-stitched together and attached with a rivet back. It's fully functional and can store approximately 4 quarters in it. The scabbard was 3D printed with a peg for attachment purposes and the parts that 'hold' it to the sash are clothing tags.

The sash itself is fabric and held in place with fashion tape. Edges were melted to seal them and then folded under to allow me more control over how they wrinkle. The badge is hand-sculpted from the same epoxy-putty used to modify the body. It's about as tall as my thumbnail and I have never wished for a resin printer more ardently than when I was sculpting it with a straight pin.

Proportionally the two of them are nearly perfect together! But, regrettably, the figure was too heavy to sit in the saddle on his own. Especially on a dog that can out-run a dalmatian! Hence why they were photoshopped together for the final image.

I hope you enjoyed this tour of the utter insanity that has been my free time for the last few months. I actually started this before the contest was announced...and through some setbacks and bad timing of life events still didn't get done until the last minute. As promised, here is your special treat!

[prof-ramses]

Hollow Sorrows Trailer Breakdown LET'S FUCKING GOOOOOO

Obviously, if you don't want spoilers, scroll away. If you've already seen the trailer, LET'S GO!!!

So when we first see possessed Patty, she looks mostly normal, you can't even see her demon teeth through the mask yet. John and Jack probably only came in since they heard a scream and/or struggle coming from the morgue.

So we get a shot of the boys being too chaotic, something Gregor points out and what will likely cause the "bad character development" Pelo ahs mentioned.

Also, since it's 100% what Pelo would do, Costume Bob is the guy in the HF suit. Mark my words.

The scene with the hatz is really interesting to me, since Skid and Pump just annoys Roy for a moment and leave. I think this might be all we get of the hatzgang this time, similar to how Frank only had a brief Appearance in Tender Treats. If my theory that episode 7 will focus on Roy is true, this little scene will be very interesting to dissect when the full episode drops.

We actually get out first proper glimpse at a new character and I think this old man is the very last character in the line up teaser

And there's also a pretty good chance he Roy's grandfather and given the way he reacts to the boys antics here, I can definitely see him being a another reasons Roy's the way he is.

If he actually is Roy's grandpa, then @crossover-enthusiast and I's Roy discussions are going to get really fun pretty soon.

Here, Skid is clearly holding a framed photo, meaning this will almost certainly be the first time his father is brought up directly.

Also, yeah, with Pump's line about "hangover spooky month", it seems my theory about Lila in this episode was at least half right.

Yet more proof that the boys' absent parents will be more of a focus. The trailer as a whole gives me some ideas regarding the Wonder parents, but I feel they're best saved for another time.

The boys get into trouble with the cops and I have 2 theories regarding when, either Gregor tries to get them sent home before going to the hospital, but they talk their way out of it, or they actually do get sent home at the end of the episode.

John's expression here immediately makes we think that something Skid or Pump said reminded him of his daughter. Another plot thread that has yet to be directly acknowledged.

Ignacio watches Gregor lead the boys away, maybe he lives down the street from Skid and Lila to keep an eye on them for the cult?

Either way, I'm surprised his appearance won't take place in the hospital as I previously predicted.

"I will be your guide. And I know your parents would be proud of you."

There's something undeniably sinister about this line, but how sinister hinges on whether Gregor is a cultist or ex-cultist. Whatever the case may be, he definitely knows more about or sees more in the boys than he lets on.

A great title card, and thought the blood everywhere is definitely concerning, I don't think there's anything to really say here, just wanted to get a screenshot of it.

And it would appear the character I've referred to as the cat lady will have the unenviable role of a hapless victim to the episode's villain. But honestly, I'm more surprised by her being at the hospital in the first place and why that never occurred to me before.

The actual progression of Patty's possession confirms to she's possessed by something other than Moloch. And what seals it for me is, fittingly, the eyes. The white of her eyes becomes a more vivid yellow, yet her pupil snot only don't form Moloch's typical spirals, but they're a more vivid shade of baby blue, a color that has never had any significance in the series before. Moloch will mostly be trapped in Dexter before eventually possessing Gregor, I will die on this hill.

AND THE FUGGIN' RELEASE DATE!!!

Alright, that's all, only a month now. We're so back!

[ratwithhands]

Team Supernova's Admins!

Just a while until the year anniversary, so I finally got around to sketching/writing down more about the different sectors in the team and what they do. This might be a bit of a long read so you can just scroll through the photos since they sum it up ^^

Elesa is the Civil Admin, her job mainly revolves around managing the people living in the tunnels directly under Nimbasa. She was originally asked to do this work because she was well known and well liked in Nimbasa and would have an easier time talking to and organizing them. Generally she does well with the work, and often assists people with tasks where possible.

The identifying colour for this sector is yellow. The armbands created by the team use a strip of fabric dyed with onion skins and connected with a diagonal stitch.

Position overview:

Mess Cooking - A large number of people need to be fed due to the size of the team. Mealtimes are fixed, with groups of members being called down at a time to prevent overcrowding. Generally rations are not very large or diverse due to the limitations of what food can be found/grown in the ice Pantry - Whenever meats, certain plants, or other high nutrient/long lasting foods are brought in, a portion is served fresh during the day before being smoked, dried, or preserved for the future. Pantry stocking also includes checking what recovered canned goods are safe to eat and store

Material Textiles - Clothing, blankets, cords, ropes, tarps, and other fiber based goods are necessary to survive the new environment. A formal uniform does not exist for Team Supernova, however there are specific clothing articles made and used by the team (scarves, coat linings, sweaters, armbands, bags, etc). The fabric made in-house is cotton from the team's herd of whimsicott or mareep, but it's common for members to use clothing and materials scavenged from upstairs Tools - Similar to clothing, many tools are scavenged from the surface. This group works mainly to maintain and repair tools for the team, though they can sometimes craft their own given enough time and materials. They are also responsible for the care and maintenance of weapons Furnishing - The base is sparse in terms of furniture, however there are a number of beds, shelves, low tables, and other furnishings that are made or repaired by the team. They are also responsible for building carry crates and sturdy boxes for Shipment and Supply. They most commonly work in wood that is either cut or scavenged

Custodial Bunks - The bunk custodians are responsible for keeping the members' quarters clean and organized. Their work extends to cleaning certain work rooms as well, mainly kitchens herd spaces Halls - Hall custodians are tunnel custodians, they are sent to keep the entrance gates to the tunnels clear and to clean the aftermath of any attacks that occur within them. Security members commonly assist them in cleaning, and some even switch to working as custodians if/when they can't work on the field anymore

Structural Building Repair - Team Supernova's base is not prone to damage, since it's meant to run trains and all, but in cases where an attack occurs, the building repair team will deal with it. Usually they patch up floors and walls, however they also make temporary structures for the team (curtain rooms, sheds, tents, etc) Reinforcement - Where building repair seeks to make the base more liveable, reinforcement specializes in barricades and perimeter walls/fencing. Most of their construction happens outside the base, where they seal up certain areas/buildings that that the team has interest in, is using, or needs to keep from Team Plasma

Repair Machines - When complex items are salvaged, they are brought to the mechanics to make use of them. These are also the people who work with the more complicated weapons the Team uses. When Team Supernova begins developing its own weapons to counter Team Plasma, these are the members who make it possible Scrap and Recycling - If an item is too damaged to repair, or is deemed not significant enough to repair, it is broken down into its components to be utilized elsewhere. This is most common with scavenged furniture and tools, where they are broken into their metal, wood, textile, padding, and other extra pieces

Part timers/trainees - New members of Team Supernova often need a little time to settle into a particular job. These people are considered trainees and rotate between a few work stations until they find one that they can work well in. Some members do not have a fixed job at all, and are instead considered extra hands. They are sent to assist with any particular department that needs more manpower. Children do not work, however they can assist with some work if they would like, and those over the age of 14 are welcome to become apprentices and join a certain job

Skyla is the Shipment Admin, her job involves tracking, organizing, and accompanying members during the transportation of items around and beyond the base. She was asked to do this work due to her experience handling the influx and efflux of planes at her airport (though she also requested to do this as she wanted connections between Supernova's homebase in Nimbasa and nearby settlements). She mostly handles organization, however she will always assist for transporting vital goods and for moving fast.

The identifying colour for this sector is red. The armbands created by the team use a strip of fabric dyed with various tree materials (chokecherry, slippery elm, black willow) and have two layers, with the outer layer being twisted.

Position overview:

Above Ground Short Distance - Above ground, short distance is anywhere within the range of Nimbasa City itself. This kind of transportation is typically used to carry goods that are otherwise too difficult or too unwieldy for the Supply corps, or for delivering items within the base to dropoff sites on the perimeter. They also carry materials for the reinforcement workers when going onto the surface Long Distance - Above ground, long distance is anywhere within the range of three cities, with the outermost limits being Undella, Mistralton, and Nacrene. Long distance transport is typically reserved for clearing out cities originally claimed by Team Plasma or warehouses used to store resources for Team Plasma Stealth Transport - When ambushes, surprise attacks, or supply interceptions are planned, stealth transport members are sent to carry the spoils following the operation. These workers tend to have no loose openings on their clothes, keeping everything tucked. Their bags tend to cling tighter to their bodies and have padding in the inside to limit the noise of clinking items. They also tend to wear grey or black uniforms to blend into the snow and shadows during the night

Below ground Short Distance - Below ground, short distance is anywhere within the range of neighbouring cities, with the outermost limits being Black City, Driftveil, and Castelia. Because the road is smooth and the transport route is sheltered, short distance missions are able to cover more ground safely. Short transportation is usually for assisting on supply runs, where more resources need to be carried from whatever area they come from Long Distance - Below ground, long distance is anywhere within the range of four cities and the main Single loop, with the outermost limits being Humilau and Accumula. This kind of travel is not commonly utilized until Team Supernova begins opening stations in other cities as they are freed. Certain missions can have distances so long that an entire survival crew must be sent out, and may not return until weeks later. Once there are more members, these workers may carry mail between stations. Fast transport - Fast transport is typically reserved for important or emergency cargo. Members responsible for fast transport usually use a dolly, cart, small wagon, or other unpowered wheeled device to carry items, making them both faster and able to carry greater weight. Like with stealth transport, the uniforms are more fitted and tucked

Mamoru is the Security Admin, his job mainly involves managing sector members and ensuring that the base and its points of interest are well protected, as well as planning attacks against set Team Plasma bases. He requested the position to lighten Emmet's workload shortly after the team's formation. Though he was previously an assistant/secretary working with Emmet after Ingo's disappearance, he has taken the job with surprising grace and has performed well.

The identifying colour for this sector is blue. The armbands created by the team use a strip of salvaged fabric stitched in a continuous ring. Most, or at least many, security members were originally depot agents who kept both their green coat and blue armband, and new security members simply either wear discarded armbands or replicas. The green coats have been phased out in recent times, being replaced by/turned into either a white or black coat.

Position overview:

Patrol Above Ground - Patrol officers typically carry one communication device to report anything troubling, however each group has every member armed. Above ground, patrol officers wear white and grey, typically sticking to buildings and keeping watch for anything of interest/concern Below Ground - Organization and communication is identical to above ground patrolling, however below ground operators tend to work in pairs as the tunnels are generally safer. They wear black or dark colours to blend into the dull shadows. Some members also have eye covers which they switch out as they patrol, making their eyes more accustomed to seeing in the dark.

Guard Watchman - Posted around vantage points where they can see the perimeter and entrances to the tunnels, watchmen generally work solo and use a radio to report anything of interest/concern. They change places for day and night shifts Fixed Position - Guards who are fixed usually protect one area of the base at all time, typically entrance points, high traffic rooms and halls, or rooms storing important resources. A guard can work alone or in a pair depending on what they are looking after Escort - During shipment or supply runs, a group of security operators are sent to protect them during travel. Escort guards are more likely to carry ranged weapons, however many carry melee weapons. They will have at least one radio to update home base on their situation

Response Assault - If a call comes in reporting a Team Plasma attack, a set of security operators are dispatched to reach and resolve the situation as fast as possible. These members nearly always carry a firearm or complex weapon, and work in a group of at least 4. If a team is not readily available, all nearby active members are sent to respond instead Emergency - Emergency security operators are meant to respond to cases of injury or recovering unresponsive members. Generally these responders carry some basic medical supplies and have a partner with a radio and weapon. They work in groups of at least 3

Offense Melee weapons - In the event of a coordinated attack plan, melee weapons operators are sent to deal with threats up close and apprehend any Team Plasma members they can. Stealth - For ambush attacks, stealth operators are to deal with any threats as quickly and quietly as possible. All carry melee weapons, and tend to wear dark clothes to work at night. There are instances where members are disguised as Team Plasma grunts and infiltrate bases from inside as preparation for an upcoming attack Firearms/Heavy Weapons - During coordinated attacks, armed operators begin attacking from further away and begin closing in. They deal with ranged threats and clear the way for melee operators to finish off the rest. Heavy weapons are a similar story, however the kind of cannons they operate are usually reserved only for taking down Plasma bases

Burgh is the Supply Admin, his job focuses on organizing mission to secure resources from all areas outside the base. He requested the position as he wanted to see what could be recovered from the environment in terms of pokemon and what they could do to sustain them and themselves as long as possible. He often assists with foraging as he can recognize different plants.

The identifying colour for this sector is green. The armbands created by the team use a long strip of fabric dyed with stinging nettles and are tied around the arm twice. Some may be made from repurposed fabric from depot agent uniforms.

Position overview:

Forage Food - As simple as it sounds, members are sent out to look for edible plants to use for rations. This includes any wild fruit, vegetables, roots, or others that can be cooked or preserved Material - Foraging for materials mostly involves looking for wood, plants, soil, stones, and other such materials that can be used to make things such as tools, dyed fabrics, barricades, garden plots, etc.

Scavenge Usable - Scavengers are urban foragers, looking for functional goods within the buildings of Nimbasa. Hauls can be anything from tools, wood panels, metal bars, clothing, canned food, etc. They generally have more carrying space than foragers since they can't compress what they find Scrap - If scavengers find a non functional item that still has some usable parts, scrappers are sent to pick it clean and take all the raw materials back to base. They also take apart sections of structures if they can use the wood/metal

Produce Greenhouse - When Mistralton is taken from Team Plasma's control, sections of the greenhouses are saved to grow crops for rations. These members work off base and tend to the plants, sending back harvests when they happen Grotto - If the area is not overly icy, hidden grottos have gardens built inside them to grow food. Since they're out of the way, a lot of the produced food is grown and hidden in these grottos to keep them from being tampered by Team Plasma

Herd Husbandry - Particularly with whimsicott, mareep, or pokemon that can be raised for food, supply members are set to look after groups of pokemon for the team. They are fed, cleaned, checked, and bred to provide resources for the team Hunting - To supply protein for rations, some members are sent to hunt or fish for different pokemon. As much of the pokemon is used as possible, even if not for food

Whew, ok long review over. Alright any remaining notes:

These are not the only jobs on site but they are jobs that have at least 7-10 people minimum. For example there are medics/doctors, but they are spread thin and usually aren't called unless something goes very wrong

Admins usually add something extra to their uniform so people can easily identify them if they need anything from them. Elesa's stripes are an example of this, as well as Skyla's blue underlayer and Burgh's tassel cloak

A lot of team members will rotate between positions. The Civil sector is basically the only one that doesn't have them; Security operators will switch between guard, respons, patrol, etc every few weeks, Shipment members rotate after 1-3 missions to keep them from getting exhausted on long missions, and Supply members will shift around as missions require. The sector is essentially the only fixed job title, the team needs to be flexible so members will bend as needed

That's as far as I'll type on this one. If you made it this far in reading, thank you! Enjoy Team Leader Emmet on break for your troubles.

He's getting used to using his defrosted arm again ^^

[catkyunie]

ateez's love languages (hyung line) ♡

ATEEZ’s captain is ambitious, driven, and dedicated to producing and crafting work that his members and ATINY around the globe can be proud of. That said, Hongjoong has a habit of often neglecting his own needs in pursuit of this goal. Because of this, Joong feels and sees every little thing that you do for him to make his life a bit easier. Whether it’s bringing him his favorite coffee order or a meal over to the studio or refilling his water thermos for him, he feels it and appreciates your acts of service immensely. Though it is limited, quality time is also a huge thing for Hongjoong. Some of his favorite ways to spend time with you is in the studio, immersed in his passion while having his source of inspiration right there beside him. You could be reading, writing, or working on a project while he’s busy producing. That doesn’t bother him. Just knowing you are there, occupying the space with your energy, brings him so much comfort and happiness. Lastly is a love language that not too many are aware of. Hongjoong, despite how he appears on variety shows or when he’s public-facing, adores physical touch. But, mostly in subtle doses. A hand on your thigh while he works, your fingers in his hair while watching a movie or aimlessly scrolling through your phones. He especially loves napping in your lap, nuzzling into your tummy, and curling around your body. The biggest thing for Hongjoong and his love languages is being able to exist in a space with his person without feeling like he is being smothered or asked to divert his attention from other things that are just as important to him. While he loves the times between schedules when he can take you out and spoil you and devote all of his time and attention to you, it’s the comfort in knowing that you’re understanding of his busy lifestyle and are still willing to be present in his life, despite that.

The eldest hyung has a soft spot for gifts, but not for the sake of being materialistic. The sentimental value outweighs the fiscal value tenfold. Every letter, card, painting, or hand-crafted item gifted to him by his someone he keeps in a box that he can look back on fondly and reminisce whenever he feels lonely or is missing them. Whatever book he is currently traveling with? His favorite set of four-cut photos of you is what he uses as a bookmark. He teases you and says it’s photocards of his ult bias. While he enjoys receiving gifts, he also enjoys giving them. Not just for his person, but for his members as well. That cute black cat plush he noticed in the corner store? That would brighten Sannie’s day. Happen to be passing by Yeo’s favorite chicken place? It wouldn’t hurt to pick up an order and drop it off to him. That cute bag you’ve been talking about for weeks now but can’t quite justify spending the money on it? Yeah, it’s your’s now, with no reason attached. Just because Hwa knew it would make you smile (and he happens to think it would look really cute with a few of your favorite pieces). It isn’t only the physical or material things that make Hwa smitten with you. It’s your reassuring words when he wasn’t even aware he needed them that sealed the deal for you two. Though his confidence has grown immensely over the years since his debut, there are still moments when Seonghwa falters under the weight of his past insecurities. Having you remind him of how gorgeous you think he is and how he should never feel the need to hide his smile does wonders for his confidence and his self-image, especially when you remind him that he was crafted from the stars and there’s nothing in the world that can dim his brightness. Like his captain, quality time means a great deal to ATEEZ’s co-leader. When Hwa has the time free from schedules and is able, he makes it a priority to spend as much of that free time with you as possible. While public outings and dates are difficult with his global status, Seonghwa still manages to plan the cutest of dates for the two of you. Evenings making dinner together before curling up for a movie and a nightcap of Animal Crossing. Takeout and soju while building Lego. It's the little moments like these in between that Seonghwa adores with his person and that reminds him how truly lucky he is to live this life with you and his members by his side.

Yunho’s expression of gift-giving comes in ways that some may confuse for acts of service. Instead of super expensive or flashy items, Yunho prefers to buy his partner gifts that he knows they’ll have a use for. A fluffy blanket that he knows you’ll love because you’re always cold. New art supplies, such as expensive brands of colored pencils or acrylic paints. A larger, insolated thermos to replace the one that you drink through too quickly and that can’t keep your water as cold as you’d like. There’s a practicality to Yunho that is reflected in the way he spoils and loves his partner. This form of gift-giving goes hand in hand with another of Yunho’s love languages, that being Quality Time. He’s the partner who shows up on your doorstep to go walking the streets with you, hand in hand, enjoying the weather and scenery. Stopping to try baked goods from this shop, a beverage indicative of the culture and country at the next one. The fact that he gets to do it with one of his favorite people on the planet makes what would normally be a mundane experience memorable and enjoyable for him. He’ll remember that exact feeling he had in that moment with you the next time he passes that landmark or has that treat again. While the pair of you are exploring the cities and, at times, the countryside, Yunho’s hands are always on you in some way shape, or form. Whether his hand is held with yours or he’s holding steadfast to your arm interlocked with his own, physical touch is something that is so ingrained in Yunho that he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it half of the time. Hanging out at the dorms with his members? His hand is on the back of your neck, gently rubbing. Snuggled up on the couch with a movie on and your head on his shoulder? He’s absently tugging and rubbing the lobe of your ear. Don’t even think of trying to pull his hand from your thigh if ever he’s driving, it’ll make him pout.

How Yeosang loves his partner is very indicative of his nature and character; softly, quietly, yet steadfast and true. Though this may be what comes the most naturally to Yeosang, it does not mean that it does not occasionally leave him feeling a bit self-conscious. What if he is not able to express himself properly when it matters most? If he is unable to convey to you just how deeply his affections run, will that perhaps leave you feeling unappreciated or maybe even doubtful of his fondness? This is where his need for words of affirmation is most appreciated. The reassurance that, though he may not feel comfortable or confident in grandiose gestures, you still know and understand just how much he adores you and your patience with allowing him the space to navigate the avenues in which to properly express them to you. One of his favorite ways to do so is by spending quality time with his partner, usually in some form of parallel play. You’ve got work to do, but want to spend time with Yeo? He’s totally okay with that. He has no problem sitting at the coffee table reassembling one of his drones while you’re busy typing away on your laptop. Occasionally he’ll lean his head back and nuzzle your knee, prompting a head pat or quick caress, but then it’s back to business. Yeo will also be the type to go out of his way to plan special dates for you. A picnic and painting in the park, an evening of viewing Christmas lights, and ice skating. As long as he’s spending it with you, Yeosang would be content doing just about anything. Yeo is also always appreciative and quick to notice the little ways in which you spoil him with acts of service. Helping him with getting the attention of his members, making sure the meat is cooked thoroughly and not too hot to eat when you go to hot pot. Even helping him organize his supplements or replacing them when he runs out are acts that Yeo sees and feels deeply in his heart.

[tomriddleslove]

The pairing game is such a cute idea! Can you do me? I’m curious what vibes I give off lol

That’s me in my profile pic, but I have waist length black hair and brown eyes. My style is pretty basic, I’m a big lululemon girlie and I play tennis so think new style preppy (?) I was an English/political science major so I like reading and writing (obv) and also painting and drawing. :)

Anon off cause we die like men🫡

The way your pairing literally screamed at me through the screen is actually quite funny.

Pairing: Lorenzo Berkshire (ex playboy turned lover boy)

Lorenzo just gives off MAJOR popular boy energy. Like, ik we all headcannon the slytherin boy group to be popular but Lorenzo just really seals the deal.

Handsome, flirty, seems sweet but is actually lowk mean (at least in my opinion) and sporty. He’s every male lead ever.

When he first saw you, he thought he had you figured out straight away. He thought you’d be like all the other girls he dated, something to flaunt and show off. You were all that, one of the prettiest girls in hogwarts, but you didn’t let Lorenzo give you shit.

The first time he spoke to you, he sauntered over with that cocky grin and knew all he needed was a few words to charm you. What he didn’t expect was for you to give him a once over and dismiss him.

He was shocked but intrigued. No girl had ever passed up the Lorenzo Berkshire (did i mention he has a big ego?) so he was determined to make you his.

What started off as relentless pursuing turned to him falling madly in love with you. With everything you did. I wholeheartedly believe that the girl he loves is one who has a heart of gold, who is gentle (enough).

He stops being a prick the second he’s with you. His eyes soften when he sees you help a first year on the way to their lesson. His heart swells when he hears you laugh. Once a popular playboy, now a lovesick fool.

He brings flowers to your dorm every week. He always runs to your classes (he has your scheduled memorised) to carry your bag and walk you to your next class.

It’s one day, when you both have a free period and walk out onto the snowy quidditch fields, that he asks the question.

Holding your face tenderly in his hands, he kisses you as though you’re the most precious thing on earth when you agree to be his boyfriend.

There is no one prouder of you than him. I mean it when I say you have to stop him from throwing a party in the common room when you achieve the highest marks on the potions exam.

He dotes over you all the time. It’s rather funny to think the seemingly untouchable, unnaproachble Lorenzo Berkshire fusses over you like mother hen when you’re sick. He forces one of the boys to make you soup, the other to go out and grab you medication whilst he pesters madame pompfrey and checks on you every second.

The boys tease lorenzo, saying he’s now a changed man. His whore days are over, he’s become a massive softie (and will merely produce a photo of you from his wallet if any girl dares to try and talk to him.)

Super cute side note, once you doodled a silly little image of the two of you with little love hearts around the side and he keeps it on him at all times.

He has like a billion photos of you. Always snapping them when you’re not looking, and scrolling through them when he misses you.

He becomes an absolute goof with you. He seems judgy and mocking, but softens the second when he’s with you. He’s down HORRENDOUSLY

Nothing matters but you. Nothing matters when he’s with you. His favourite place on earth to be is in your arms, resting his head on your chest as you read your books. You gently card through his hair with one hand, and the soothing sound of your heartbeat lulls the lover boy to sleep.

[t-tomuras]

Gyuutaro x reader, not proofread, band au, angst, reader is depressive

“Did you get that piercing for whoever you took the photo for?” Your thumbs shake over the dimmed glass screen of your phone as you lay on your bed in the dark, debating on hitting send. Blackout curtains drawn to deepen the pitch black even though you know there’s still a few more hours of sunlight left.

You can’t even scroll Twitter in peace anymore without seeing him despite how you’d filtered his name from any content the algorithm was set to recommend to you. You’d thought of blocking out their band name but you still held love for his band mates, still liked to see their successes on something you watched them work so hard for. You didn’t think you’d be blasted with a reposted nude of your ex boyfriend under the hashtag of his bands name as well as the atrocious #demoninthesheets.

Vision blurring temporarily as the sting of fresh tears well in your waterline before you swipe aggressively to keep them from falling.

How many times will you cry over the same thing? Torture yourself by reopening that year old wound instead of properly healing and moving on? Throwing yourself into work hasn’t been enough

You don’t want to talk to him, to Gyuutaro, again; at least that’s what you tell yourself even though you hover over the mocking illuminated blue send button. Thumb tremoring before long and it seals your fate for you but some sort of fated mistake, calling that to absolve yourself of more guilt even though it already sits heavy on your chest. You’d known hitting send wouldn’t lessen the weight by any means but you’ve grown used to the pain.

Accustomed to it, you’d think you’d miss it if it were gone. It’s been the only constant for you anyway since your relationship fell apart with the lead singer and longtime boyfriend. But he was more than that, more than just a talent to the music industry. He was everything.

The boy you’d found in the alleyway outside of your apartment at such a tender age along with his much younger sister, starving, dirty and cold. Welcoming them into your life with ease, growing with them. An older sister to Ume by proxy before stepping into the roll of her mother as you’d grown into your teen years. You and Gyuutaro emancipating yourselves and moving into a too large home for one other orphaned man, building a family with bonds stronger than blood while you two grew closer. Making promises for the future while sharing all the pivotal firsts in your life with him.

First crush, first love, first boyfriend, first time; so in some cruelly comical fashion it’s fitting that he’d become your first heartbreak too.

Torn to shreds as other women began to give him the attention that only you had poured so lovingly into him for most of his life. Lusting for the physical attributes about himself that Gyuutaro had always hated, brazen comments at first regardless of the copious amount of photos with you in them all of his socials held. Insulting advancements made on him with flagrant disregard for the obsidian band he refused to take off despite still only being engaged.

You swipe at your bleary eyes again, shaking your head with an aggressive growl at yourself to stop it, it doesn’t matter anymore but the lie just reverberates within the echo chamber of tormenting thoughts. Mockingly chiming alongside every admission to immense affection Gyuutaro had filled your empty head with.

I love you, te amo, aishiteru. A lie in every language.

Laughing wryly to yourself over the thought as you watch the delivered notification shift into its read time stamp before foreboding bubbles bounce for a moment. A response coming through soon after.

“Whaddya want me to say?”

Good question, it’s not like you even really meant to send it. Staring at his name in your phone with the useless little stop sign emoji next to it as if that would halt every impulsive desire to speak to him whether it was good or bad. Forgoing deleting his contact because you know it by heart, you’d instinctively repeat it and worsen the need to send a text from the fear of forgetting it.

“Nothin I guess lol” that it was for you maybe? That’d be pretty fucking stupid though.

The bubbles bounce and bounce and bounce on for what feels like ages. You’re worried he’ll send a block of text, worried he’ll be another aggressive voice you’ll hear to repeat every insecurity you’ve had but they disappear completely after a long moment. Heart in your throat and as soon as you sigh and place your phone face down onto your deflating air mattress it vibrates with a new notification.

“Can I call? It’s gettin taken down”

You want to, you do, you want to hear the voice that’s always comforted you and put you at ease but right now your company is that weighted pain in your chest. That ache that spreads slowly into each limb and it’ll feel numb before long, no need to exacerbate the throb any further when you’re already past the initial sting.

“Probably not a good idea,” I don’t wanna hear whatever girl is with you now stays left unsent. Backspaced quickly, typing it out was cathartic enough. He’d really call you then, again and again until you answered, “maybe later. I’m gonna take a nap.”

You sleep so much now, he knows later never comes but it wasn’t the first time he asked it won’t be the last but you assume maybe it will.

“Call me when you wake up? I wanna talk.”

Sending him a curt sure before silencing the device before tossing it to the floor and turning to face the wall, curling within yourself. Hoping you won’t dream of what once was and what could’ve been.

[exy-shmexy]

What if one day, while he’s mindlessly scrolling through social media, Andrew ends up finding a random post from an organization that helps wild mustangs which have been rounded up by the government find someone to adopt them and offer them a forever home?

The next thing he knows, Andrew is sending an email to the organization.

He tells Neil during dinner the same evening. Neil asks to see the horse, and Andrew immediately shows him the photo. Neil frowns upon seeing it. He carefully reads everything that’s written in her description, and when he’s done, the only thing he asks Andrew is when they’ll go see her.

They go the next weekend. The mare is three states away from them so it’s a long drive. Andrew is practically vibrating from anticipation. He spent all of his free time learning about horses and how to care and handle them. When they arrive, someone immediately walks up to them. It’s a young woman in her early thirties who talks entirely too much. Andrew cuts her off by asking where the mare is. The woman closes her mouth to lead them to the enclosure. The chestnut mare is there, looking even smaller in real life than she did in the pictures. She’s sporting more bite marks too. Her coat looks dull, her mane and tail are completely tangled and instead of staying close to the rest of the herd, she stays in a corner on her own. She looks… defeated. While researching horses, Andrew read about potential health issues horses can have and why it’s important to have a vet come check on them before purchasing one but in that moment, Andrew doesn’t care. She could have three legs, one ear and no eye that he already knows he won’t be going back home without taking her with him. So he signs the adoption papers, pays the ridiculously low price she was attributed and gives instructions to have her transported to a small ranch a few hours away from where he and Neil live the same day. He pays an extra fee for that, but he doesn’t care. He needs to take this poor animal away from here.

That’s how the wild mustang finds herself, after long hours on the road, in a new place that looks nothing like the tall-fenced areas she had been forced into. There are other horses around alongside other animals, all of them rescues adopted by none other than Renee and Allison. They accepted to keep the wild mare in their sanctuary for as long as Andrew wants her there. Thankfully, the Exy season just ended so Andrew has plenty of time to hang around here, and plenty of time he knows he’s going to need.

The mare doesn’t let anyone approach here. From blank emptiness, her eyes have turned into frantic panic. She is lost. Afraid. Alone. Andrew spends the first few days giving her time and space to adjust to all the changes until she eventually settles down. He discusses a lot with Renee on how to best approach the situation, but she keeps repeating the best solution is patience.

Andrew arms himself with it.

The chestnut mare flees away from him every time he approaches. She is taller than him and he’s fully aware of how powerful a kick can be. So he stays on the other side of the fence for hours, slowly but surely letting the mare acclimate herself to his presence and come closer to him. It takes Andrew two weeks to be able to lay a finger against her nose. She bolts away immediately after, but then the next day she allows him to put his entire hand on her forehead. Three days later, he can finally take off the damn tag that’s been hanging around her neck this entire time.

It only goes uphill from here.

Time and patience are indeed the key.

Andrew never forces the mare to do anything. He lets her do her thing. She pulls on some weight, fills in on muscles and even lets him brush her after a few weeks. He knows she is smart. After she understands he means her no harm, their bond is sealed. Eventually she opens up to Neil too, but it is Andrew that she sees as the most trustworthy person so for a very long time he is the only one who can approach her to manipulate her and provide her for the care she needs. Andrew took a chance on a broken thing, one that was alone and afraid, that had given up hope after being misplaced so many times, and Andrew is not a fool. He knows many people would pretend she’s just an animal. But he knows that she understands. So he keeps on working every day to let their friendship bloom until eventually their bond is completely unbreakable for good.

[hendolish]

hii girlie I'm just getting so many ideas in my head after scrolling through your Tumblr every single day so pardon me haha. But Marcus/Jesse fic? They had something going on when they were younger but stopped it and Jesse's defo not getting called up again and Marcus misses him so he goes over to his house and they start hanging out and one things leads to another and they have sex which leads to them talking about why things didn't work out (Jesse not ready to settle and Marcus barely seeing Jesse when he left United) and this basically get back together. I know that this isn't really that much plot and like I didn't explain it well but you get the gist right? Thanks so much💗💗.

marcus rashford/jesse lingard - echoes of old trafford <3

St. George's Park was never the same anymore.

Marcus felt the weight of the looming international fixtures. But more than that, he felt the absence of a certain presence - Jesse.

There had been whispers, subtle nods and hints from the coaching staff that Jesse wouldn't be called up again for the national team. The news didn't surprise Marcus, given Jesse's move away from United, but it left an aching void in his heart.

The two had shared more than just locker room jokes and on-field synergy. Years back, in the shadows of Old Trafford, there had been stolen glances, late-night conversations, and those warm nights when boundaries blurred.

A complicated understanding had sprouted between them, only to be cut short. The world of football wasn't ready for their story, and perhaps, neither were they.

Marcus sat in his hotel room, flipping through the photos on his phone. There was Jesse, always by his side, laughing, celebrating goals, or just being there during the tough times.

And suddenly it looms on him why he's felt so miserable lately. He missed that more than anything, even more than their complicated past. On a whim, he decided to see him.

Jesse was kicking a ball around in his garden when he heard a familiar knock. Opening the door, he found himself face to face with Marcus, who was wearing that signature shy grin.

"Hey," Marcus began, scratching the back of his neck nervously, "Missed you."

Jesse smiled widely like no time had passed at all, "Get in here."

Inside, amidst the familiar surroundings of Jesse's Manchester home, the years melted away. They talked about old matches, current teammates, and the general buzz of the football world. Hours passed, the evening darkened, and eventually, they found themselves sitting closer than they had intended, too many beers between them.

Jesse's fingers grazed Marcus', sending familiar shivers down both their spines. Old memories, long suppressed, resurfaced. They were drawn together like magnets, inevitable, lips meeting in a passionate embrace that spoke of years of longing and missed opportunities.

Morning rays found them tangled in bedsheets, gazing at each other with a mixture of regret and hope.

"Why didn't it work before?" Marcus asked, tracing the inked patterns on Jesse's arm; he'd been there almost every time when he'd gotten a tattoo. It made him feel a bit empty inside to see some he didn't recognise.

"We were too young to know what we wanted," Jesse sighed, catching Marcus' gaze before his eyes dart away again, "And after I left United, it just felt like we were worlds apart."

Marcus nodded, "It was like that for me too. But now, right here, I just know that this feels right."

Jesse smiled, his eyes glistening, hopeful, "It does... maybe it's time to give us another shot?"

Marcus pulled him closer, sealing the promise with a gentle kiss.

The football world might not know of their love, but in that moment, nothing else mattered. The two were ready to embrace a future, together.

<3

[thestobingirlie]

I saw a post saying that Steve was a huge bully, and that it's mentioned in every season that he bullied others so much and other characters talk about how bad he affected them.

And I was just thinking where?

The worst we get is season 1. With breaking Jonathan's camera, and then the fight in the alley. Breaking the camera was 100% justified. There were photos of a minor changing. And even without the photos of Nancy, it was a massive invasion of Steve's privacy. And the fight Steve was somewhat provoked into saying those things. Yes, a lot of what he said was uncalled for, but he was provoked by the photos, then seeing Nancy and Jonathan together in Nancy's room despite the photos, and then Nancy and Jonathan showing up together in the alley just sealed the deal that there was something going on. He's a bit of an asshole, but not a bully. And sure, he gets referred to as "that douchebag, Steve Harrington" by Lucas in episode 1, but the kids don't know him at this point. They've most likely never met him, and anything that they know about him is hearsay.

Season 2, I don't think there's any mention of him being a bully or even much of a mention of him being an asshole. It's obvious that Jonathan doesn't really like Steve, but that's more jealousy. And sure, the kids don't seem fond of him to start with, and he's the last resort, but they don't really know him, so they don't yet have a reason to trust him. They would have only met him in passing, Mike might have met him for a bit longer at times, but not enough to actually know Steve.

Season 3. Robin says that Steve was an asshole and a douchebag, but she admits to having a biased view. She said that she felt that way because he wasn't paying attention to Tammy Thompson and she was jealous because of it. And him not remembering her from the class they shared. Not remembering someone doesn't mean that he's an asshole. We don't know how many students were at Hawkins High, but the few scenes we see of more of the student body, there looked like quite a lot. I went to a small school (100-120 kids each year) and I barely recognised and remembered some of the kids I had classes with. And I really didn't recognise anyone that wasn't the same age as me. It doesn't make Steve a bully, it just makes him a little self-centred in the way teenagers are.

Season 4, the only scene we get is his talk with Eddie. And Eddie admitted he was wrong to consider Steve a douchebag, and it was just based off of assumptions of him, because he didn't actually know him.

(This person also said that Billy wasn't a bully on the same post. Even if you discount all his interactions with the other main characters, his first scene in season 3 he is literally bullying a child. He is shouting at this kid and repeatedly calling him lard-ass in front of a crowded public pool.)

i feel like i saw that post, and i just scrolled past lol. it’s so weird when people take characters that are obviously biased at their word when there is evidence to the contrary.

no one has ever said that steve bullied them, they’ve called him names, but never about personal experiences with steve, just because of their assumptions.

yeah. i will always defend the breaking of the camera in s1, and anyone that defends him with ‘jonathan’s poor’ like… maybe he shouldn’t have taken pictures of people looking through the fucking trees into a house. and yeah, the fight is fucked up, steve says stuff he shouldn’t, slutshames nancy, and it’s all disgusting. but it’s not bullying.

s2, there’s nothing to imply steve’s treated anyone badly, and in s3, like you said, robin doesn’t actually mention any bad behaviour from steve, she just takes out her anger on him because he could have tammy thompson, he has all her attention and he doesn’t even look her way.

then yeah, s4, eddie admits he was wrong about steve, that he made presumptions because steve was rich and hot.

(omfg i hate that scene with billy calling that kid a lard ass, because those middle age mothers literally see billy calling a child names and are still looking lustfully at him!!)

but yeah, steve isn’t a bully, to say he is one is just… wrong lmao. the freaks and geeks all take out their anger at not being popular on steve, unfairly, and to just believe them when all evidence does against what they say, is kinda funny

[killalluchihas]

good vibes/bad juju - 53

While on a mission overseas, Gojo gets K-O'd by an unknown person. Within a week, every sorcerer in Japan has heard about it. (A JJK OC story - Rated M, Graphic Violence)

[Chapter One] [Ao3 link] [Previous] [Next]

—/—/—/—

chapter fifty-three: one more nail (in the coffin) 

“Inverted Seal of Heaven, huh?”

There’s no doubt in Gojo’s mind about what Tengen is asking him. Yoshi showed it willingly, and he recognized it at once. 

But no one besides Gojo knows that Yoshi has the power to nullify any cursed energy, even his cursed technique, at will. And he isn’t quite ready to share all his secrets, or Yoshi’s, with Master Tengen. 

So Gojo cocks his head and plays dumb. “Is it like that old spear?”

“The spear was studied by curse users in the fifthteenth century, before it exchanged hands again and disappeared from history,” Tengen says, as if it’s common knowledge. 

This room is beginning to get on Gojo’s nerves. There’s nothing here, nothing to look at besides Master Tengen’s twisted features and expressionless eyes. 

“And?” Gojo prompts them. “I didn’t hire a curse user from the fifteenth century, so…”

Tengen’s voice is smooth and level, too calm for Gojo to decipher any deeper implications. “Until yesterday, I did not believe the seal went beyond the theoretical stage, but it’s the only explanation that fits.”

“Sure, sure. That’s an explanation,” Gojo says agreeably, the same way he assures Principal Gakuganji that his school follows all the crusty traditions they’re supposed to. “You felt a disruption, it was because of the attack. Is that all you needed to know?”

“I’m afraid that it is just the beginning,” Tengen shakes their head. “In the presence of a nullifying force, a sorcerer is unable to use techniques, but they are also unable to detect the flow of cursed energy. This is true even for the Six Eyes...” 

Gojo grins reflexively. “I’ve seen that nullifying seal in action. I didn’t miss anything.”

“You did,” Tengen says simply. “But the barrier around Jujutsu Tech continuously detects all the energy signatures within it,” Tengen explains. Gojo can feel an ache in his jaw from clenching his teeth. He’s never been known for patience, and he already knows how barriers work. “The curses had energy similar to the nature around them, but there was a shift in them when the attack started. And similarly, my barrier sensed the change in this sorcerer’s energy when they released that seal.”

“And what does that change tell you?” Gojo asks, reaching for the last shreds of his composure. Tengen keeps acting like there’s some dire threat here, but won’t get to the point.  

“It tells me that your new sorcerer is not what they appear to be,” Tengen replies, “And that they must be dealt with at once, before they jeopardize the entire order.” 

—/—/—/—

With one last tug on the seam over Yoshi’s shoulder, Nobara takes a step back. Scanning over her work with hard brown eyes, the girl nods sharply. 

“Yep,” she says decisively. “You look great in this. Gimme your phone, we should put this on your story.” 

“Can’t,” Yoshi eyes the student’s reflection in the mirror, amused. “I only have social media for my students’ parents to see. The baseball teams, I mean.” She was never good at maintaining an online presence. Eventually she’d start scrolling through photos without recognizing a single person on her feed. 

Nobara scowls, and takes out her own phone. “Any hot single parents out there?” 

“No idea,” Yoshi laughs, brushing her hand against the patterned fabric, and hears the camera shutter go off. “And I don’t want to attract one.”

“Then how are people gonna know how good you look?” Nobara complains. “And how am I supposed to get photo creds if you don’t post a photo? Now you have to buy it,” she concludes. 

Yoshi rolls her eyes, but looks at herself in the mirror thoughtfully. 

“I wouldn’t wear it,” she says hesitantly. “This is for a night out. Who am I going out with? Actually— when do I have time to go out?” Yoshi is already scheduled for a mission this weekend once the exchange event is over, she told the students about it on the train. 

“I don’t know yet,” Nobara scoffs, “But when you do go out, you’re not gonna wear joggers and a windbreaker. Or sneakers! We’re getting shoes after this to match the purse.” 

“What purse?”

Nobara holds up one.

“That’s too small, I’ll never use it…”

“Shut up,” she scoffs. “You can’t complain when you have a pocket dimension in your hand.” 

Yoshi avoids Nobara’s eye. “I don’t use that for normal things.” 

“That’s bullshit,” the student announces, hands on her hips. “Don’t even try to deny it, if I had a pocket dimension I’d put all my shit in there.” 

She replies by shutting the curtain on Nobara and swiftly changing out of the dress before Nobara has enough time to find another outfit. 

—/—/—/— 

It’s so nice to hang out with his classmates again, Yuji doesn’t even mind carrying most of the shopping bags. He can handle a bit of Nobara’s ‘harassment’ if it means no more hiding in the basement. Besides, he still feels bad for making her upset. Gojo really needs to work on his surprises, because they totally botched it yesterday. 

Yuji takes a sip of the cold passionfruit-flavored drink he just bought with Maki and Megumi. Nobara stalks out of a clothing store alongside Yoshi, looking curiously triumphant. The streets are crammed with conversation and laughter. The midday sun feels good on his face. 

The only thing that would make today better would be if Junpei could be here too. 

He can almost see it, if he thinks hard enough. Junpei would get stuck on bag-carrying duty too, since he’s too kind to say no. It would be up to Megumi’s glares and Maki’s quiet words to remind Nobara to lay off the new kid. Gojo would be tough on him in training, but Junpei would reach new limits if he had the support of his peers. And if Yoshi’s even half as creative as he thinks she is, she’d have an arsenal of new ideas and techniques for Junpei’s shikigami. 

They would all get along. Junpei could’ve been one of them, and suddenly, Yuji can hardly breathe.

Yuji looks towards a storefront at random, and reads over the bright lettering as he tucks all that away. He thinks of Nanami’s measured voice and Gojo’s firm hand on his shoulder, pushing him forward. A few feet away, Maki passes a colorful drink to Nobara, and Megumi waves to Yuji to usher him into their huddle. 

He waves back and heads towards them, but his eyes linger on Yoshi. 

What did she do to fix Junpei’s body? Why is his jellyfish shikigami written into a script? 

Yuji slips back into the conversation as Nobara bursts into a lecture on seasonal color combinations. Maki listens, but Megumi tunes her out by scrolling on his phone. “You’re next, loser,” she threatens, wagging a finger in his face. “All you wear are pajamas, I’m embarrassed to stand next to you.” 

Megumi looks down at his oversized shirt and soft cotton joggers, and says nothing.

Yoshi laughs, agreeing with Nobara.

He should talk to her. But Yuji doesn’t know how to ask. He doesn’t even know how to catch Yoshi alone, so—

“Sensei, can I talk to you alone?” 

—he opts for the straightforward approach.

“Huh?” Nobara frowns suspiciously.

But Yoshi looks unfazed. “Sure, let’s talk,” she says easily. “We’ll catch up,” she tells the girls. Megumi eyes the two of them, curious, but shuffles after Nobara and Maki without asking questions. 

Well.

It was easy enough to ask, but now Yuji can’t figure out what to say.

His mouth feels dry, so he takes a furious sip from his frozen smoothie. It does nothing. 

Yoshi just squints against the sunlight in her face, and starts walking.

The streets are crowded enough that there’s a buffer of strangers bustling around them before long. Yuji isn’t sure of the etiquette regarding sorcery talk in public, but he’s fairly certain no one’s listening to them out here. A shopping bag hangs from the crook of Yoshi’s elbow, while several are hooked around Yuji’s forearms. He only pays enough attention to the street to avoid crushing any of Nobara’s bags. 

“So,” Yoshi glances at him patiently.

“What happened—last week?” he asks, halting over the words as he realizes it was just last week. It feels as though so much has happened since then. “After I passed out at Junpei’s school?” 

He only spares her a quick look, and then turns forward to keep from walking into any pedestrians. 

“You weren’t told anything?” she asks in a measured voice. 

Yuji almost says Yes, of course I know what’s going on, but the truth is—“No one knows what you did. I guess it didn’t work, and that’s why you left, but…” 

She sighs, and Yuji looks at her again to see her brow scrunched up in thought. 

“I’m sorry for leaving,” Yoshi remarks tightly. “It won’t happen again.”

“That’s alright,” Yuji says with wide eyes. “You were brought in out of nowhere, so. Yeah.” Surely it was hard on her, trying and failing to save a dying person. 

But Yoshi just gives a hum in response, noncommittal. 

“Um,” Yuji bites on the inside of his cheek, not sure what to make of her reaction. “Can you explain… the…?” 

“Jellyfish?” she guesses. 

“Yeah.” Yuji swallows.

Her jaw clenches and unclenches as she thinks. “I can’t heal people like Shoko can,” Yoshi begins. “I can’t even heal myself like that. I have to work around it.”

Yuji nods. “Through talismans,” he says, “And they require sacrifices.”

“Yes.” Her head dips in approval. “That curse’s technique went far past the limits of a human body,” she explains, picking her words with care. “And it took more to reverse it.” 

“More cursed energy?”

“And more knowledge,” she says softly. “But it’s possible to go beyond one’s limits, if you’re restrictive about it.” 

Limits, restrictions. Yuji is familiar with the phrasing. “So you made a vow with Junpei?” 

He frowns, considering the state that he’d been in. Even after eating that healing coin, Junpei hadn’t been able to properly speak. 

Yoshi hums again, staring forward. Her voice goes strangely flat. “It didn’t go as planned. I expected to borrow his summoning power in exchange for undoing Mahito’s curse.” 

Mahito. The name rings in Yuji’s head, but he shuts away the thought for later. “So, the vow didn’t work?”

Her gaze turns away, dark eyes scanning the street. Yuji thinks he’s pretty good at reading people, and she seems… uncertain. 

“He changed the terms.” Yoshi says it like she can hardly believe it, even now. Like it’s still haunting her. “He wanted to destroy Mahito. It was all he could think about.” 

Yuji doesn’t understand. “And… then?”

The look on Yoshi’s face makes him wary. “It was all he could think about,” she repeats.

“What does that mean?” Yuji asks weakly. “He wanted to destroy Mahito, so—so he…” His brow knits together. “So he put it into a vow?”

—/—/—

Do you want to live, Junpei?

I want… I w-want…

The thought crystalizes in his mind, sharp and solid and sure. Yoshi feels it like a lance through her ribcage, like a gong reverberating in her ears, like a promise coiling around her soul. 

I want to kill Mahito. You must. I’ll do anything. Destroy him. DESTROY HIM—

—/—/—

“I’m bound to his shikigami by his will,” Yoshi says quietly. “Until Mahito is gone.” 

Of all the sorcerers, Yuji probably knows the least about vows and the dangers that Yoshi has placed before herself. He’s only been warned about refusing any vows that Sukuna might offer, and not much else. 

But for Junpei to make a deal in his last moments, and not ask to be saved—

“And… and you couldn’t convince him?” 

At his question, Yoshi looks unmoored. She turns her gaze towards the crowds like she’s lost in the sea of people, even though Yuji can spot Maki’s swishing ponytail just down the block. 

“No, I couldn’t,” she says, and words come out stilted. “He was—it wasn’t just physical. He was hurt in—in every way. Bearing it any longer was—too much.” 

Yuji grabs her arm suddenly, pulling them to a stop in the middle of the sidewalk. 

“What is it?” Yoshi’s expression clears as she looks at him, clouded only by concern. 

He looks straight at her. At the frown tugging at her mouth, at the harsh set of her shoulders she can’t seem to relax. A bandage peeks out from her neck, hidden beneath her hair. 

“It’s not your fault.” 

Yuji blinks, because he was thinking it yet it’s Yoshi saying it to him.  

“Huh?” Yuji says weakly.

“Mahito isn’t like other curses. Junpei saw him as a person. As a friend. There was no way to warn him,” she continues firmly. “You did everything you could.”

“You did more,” he interrupts.

Yoshi’s shoulders slump down, but she doesn’t look relieved. “He didn’t deserve to die like that.”

Oh, he didn’t think she would say that. He didn’t think it would still hurt so much to hear someone else say it. Yuji scrubs a hand over his face, angry at himself for tearing up over such simple words. 

“Why did you fix the body?” he asks in a rush, before he thinks too much. 

Yoshi purses her lips. “Because I wouldn’t be able to fight Mahito if I didn’t understand his technique. Junpei offered everything he had.” 

“Everything?” Yuji’s brow furrows.

Her eyes stare straight ahead as she speaks. “Sort of like what Shoko does.”

Shoko? But Shoko works in the morgue, doing autopsies—

Suddenly, Yoshi darts toward him, and raises a smoothie cup at him. Yuji blinks at it, and then the condensation on his palm. He’d almost dropped it all over the ground, and Yuji hadn’t even realized he was still holding it. 

He takes it back with a mumbled word of thanks. 

“No problem,” Yoshi sighs.

“No,” Yuji clears his throat. “Thank you for everything. I think—I think we should go find the others now.”

“You sure?” 

Yuji nods, unable to say any more. Junpei had been in pain. Yoshi didn’t have the knowledge to fix him, not at first. Instead she learned it after picking apart his body. 

“So,” he says after a few moments, before they’ve rejoined the other students. “When we find that curse, will you be able to fight it?”

“I’ll do more than that,” Yoshi says under her breath. 

—/—/—/—

For the majority of the day, Megumi enjoys himself. He would never choose to be out here in the most congested, tourist-y area of Tokyo, but it isn’t that bad. Kugisaki has enough victims to split her attention between each of them, giving him a reprieve from her antics. Maki and Yoshi go along with most of what Kugisaki does, but every once in a while he’ll share an exasperated look with one of them, and it’s nice to know he isn’t the odd one out. 

Itadori is… well, he has no complaints about how much he chatters, because at least he’s here, alive, to be able to talk Megumi’s ear off. Just yesterday morning, Itadori was dead, and now he’s walking down a busy street arguing loudly with Kugisaki over where to eat lunch. 

It’s not a miracle. It’s just some screwed up loophole of curses and sorcery, but it doesn’t feel like one. 

“I think we should split up for lunch,” Yoshi cuts in, sensing the tensions rising between Itadori and Kugisaki. “If you want to eat here for the photos, do you really need all of us here anyway?” 

Megumi’s pretty sure he said that two blocks ago, but this time Kugisaki actually seems to consider it. She picked this place—a frilly, French-themed (or Victorian England?) cafe with a display window full of glazed pastries and dainty finger-foods—and really just wants to go inside to take photos. Apparently this cafe was visited by some celebrity and now everyone is posting photos of some fancy sandwiches, and Kugisaki is determined to do the same. 

“And I’m hungry!” Itadori cries, throwing his arms up. There’s a forty-minute line leading up the cafe’s front doors. 

“I’m hungry too,” Yoshi agrees before Kugisaki can snap at Itadori. “But Maki says she’s interested, so the two of you can go together.”

Megumi’s eyebrows creep upward as Kugisaki begins to flounder. “I—but I’m telling you—I can—I guess that’s okay then…” she peters off, eyes darting to Maki. He’s used to Kugisaki putting up more of a fight. She brushes her bright hair back and asks, “Right? You’ll stay with me?”

“Yeah, I can wait,” Maki says easily, not even glancing at the intimidating queue. 

“We’ll meet up when we’re done,” Yoshi waves to them, and beckons the two boys forward. “Buy me a good slice of cake. Have fun.” 

Kugisaki throws them one last look before they go, trying to look reproachful. “Don’t forget about my stuff! If you drop even one bag, I’ll make you regret being born!”

Itadori whoops, carelessly swinging Kugisaki’s shopping bags in the air as they leave. “Nice work, Yoshi-sensei! Thank god Kugisaki listens to you.”

And Maki, Megumi thinks to himself. He takes out his phone and opens up the map app, scanning for other places to eat. “Where should we go?” he asks the two of them. “I’m not picky, but I’d like to sit down somewhere.” 

“I don’t care either, as long as we can get seats soon!” Itadori agrees, slowing down to peek at Megumi’s phone too. 

Yoshi hums, looking at the street around them instead. “Do you guys like sushi? Like, the kind that comes on a conveyor-belt?”

“Yes!” Itadori howls at once, grinning. “I wanted to go last time we were in Roppongi, but then it turns out we weren’t in Roppongi at all!” 

Their teacher looks back at Itadori with a puzzled look, but chooses not to ask. “Megumi, what do you think?”

He shrugs, still looking at his phone. “The closest place doesn’t have any reviews, so I’m not sure it’s any good.”

“Not that one. It’s right next to Shibuya 109.” 

Megumi frowns at her, and then zooms out on his phone to see. Huh. He didn’t realize they’d strayed so far from Harajuku while Kugisaki dragged them around. Usually Megumi would’ve noticed where they were, but they’d taken some side roads along the way to that French place and he’d lost track. 

“And it’s a good place,” Yoshi assures, leading them to the main road. From there it’s just another street away from the huge pedestrian crossing in Shibuya. “My friend reminded me about it when I told her I was in the area.” 

“What friend?” Megumi wonders. She’s spent all her time at Jujutsu Tech these past weeks, and Megumi knows basically everyone there. 

“From New York,” Yoshi says dismissively. “I don’t think they’ll be too busy, it’s a small place. And the plates aren’t too expensive.” 

Then Itadori groans, smacking himself in the forehead. Megumi is sure he deserved it so he doesn’t ask, but Yoshi looks concerned. 

Itadori explains that he forgot about the black credit card Kugisaki has been using all day: the three of them would have to pay for their lunch out of pocket, but Gojo would be footing the bill at Kugisaki’s fancy cafe. 

“I feel weird about that anyway,” Yoshi confesses bluntly, picking at a lock of loose hair. It’s gotten frizzier as the day progressed, and it’s clearly bothering Yoshi but she won’t tie it up. “Just how rich is Gojo?” 

Alongside the bags from Kugisaki that he and Itadori are carrying, Yoshi has two of her own. There’s perfumed tissue paper covering the tops, so he has no idea what she bought, but he knows it was at Kugisaki’s insistence and on Gojo’s dime. 

Megumi shakes his head. “He could just lock the card if he wanted to,” he points out. 

Yoshi stops them in front of a building crammed with tiny stores, and points down a dimly-lit staircase. Megumi hadn’t been sure about finding an uncrowded shop until now. 

“That looks so suspicious!” Itadori laughs, marching right down to the basement-level store. The doors chime as he pushes them, and a chorus of voices welcome them inside.

—/—/—/—

[Previous] [Next]

A/N: We're deviating from canon now, simply because I still don't know how cursed energy works and I'm WAY behind in the manga. I'm pulling this outta thin air, y'all just gotta deal with it. Basically—Tengen can sense something that Gojo can't, and that's why Yoshi has avoided her nullifying seal whilst on campus.

Anyway—Yuji finally knows more about Junpei :( He's too dumb to ask how Yoshi could talk to Junpei while he was dying, though. And don't worry about Yoshi's sketchy choice for lunch, I'm actually basing that on a real location in Shibuya that I went to in 2019. Kinda weird that Wendy suggested it though, isn't it?

[heathenical]

again

maybe tumblr is my god.

you know, during people's lowest times, they go to church, they kneel and pray. others drink more than they can handle and hurl it out the next day, and some few do drugs. people need something they can hold onto, something reliable, something that will either let them feel something euphoric, or something that numbs away the utter filth the mind can produce. it doesn't always have to be a substance addiction, it could very much be just a silly little website that's basically dead. you know, the one with the app that's not a part of your daily social media rotation. tumblr. tumblr's like my god at this point.

you know, this website used to be bustling with teen angst. now, i guess we've all grown up, and the raging, hormonal pubescents have now realized that life isn't that worthy of romanticization. the pink milk cartons and neon lights, the messy buns and adidas shoes, they're not as beautiful as they once were. we often think of beauty as something objective, don't we? we have standards for them, we rate them quantitatively. we say, "this is beautiful." and everyone believes it for a while until they don't. who actually knows what causes those shifts in trends and norms? sociologists, probably. they'll say that beauty is subjective, some things are beautiful one day and then disgustingly pathetic or.. cringe... the next. i disagree, oh do i disagree completely.

time. beauty is heavily dependent on time. the beauty of something will remain inside it, preserved, as a memory, stuck in a timeline. bodies lie, minds are manipulated, priorities change and so on. it's not that the milkis cans aren't aesthetically pleasing anymore, you just grew up, and society has changed who you are. suddenly, the things you used to love have become unvaluable to you. but at the time you purchased your adidas nmds, you thought they were the prettiest looking shoe money could buy. now you're obsessed with expensive cafe drinks that all look and taste the same, and designer brands that sell towel skirts and had a pedophilic campaign once. things that are beautiful have to be remembered intently, and with lots and lots of context, it's the only way to understand it. that's why some art pieces look visually underwhelming, but through knowledge of the artist's intention, the supposed meaning of a piece, then you realize it's beauty, sealed and tucked in a nice frame, or carved stone, or through vectors. you just need to time travel a bit.

it's nice, however, to see the teenagers with lots of time in their hands become busy. they're too busy to get an addiction now. by the time they go home, they just fall asleep. they don't force themselves to not eat so they can be skinny, they simply forget to eat, or don't have enough money to eat. they rarely have time finding new artists to listen to, they stick to the ones they grew up with, those whose lyrics they know by heart, the ones that instantly brighten up their mood on the way to their daily commute. that's how it is now. saddest of all, they've forgotten how to fall in love. they used to romanticize every eye contact, every touch, every kiss, every conversation with their first love as if it was the only thing they need to survive on this earth. they'd write poem after poem for their straight best friend, write songs like their heart knew how to sing, and was always beating in sync with a melody. they'd take silly photos, blur them a ton, and insert text in helvetica neue to sieze the moment, and then make it their lockscreen or wallpaper. tinder came. omegle came. bumble came. for some of us, grindr came. and suddenly, that little kid who planned their whole life with this one person they fell in love with? they're gone now. they're lost in a sea of hook ups, bad first dates, shallow people that base of their entire personalities from zodiac signs, mbti results, and their spotify playlists. they've struggled, scrolling and swiping at every corner of their phones to find someone, anyone, worth investing their time onto because they realize that the time they have is so limited and they might as well settle for quick bursts and pulses of pleasure than a long, sustained and assuring one. they only come back to this website when they're sad and need someone to talk to, but all their friends are now busy with internships, theses, or their own boyrfriends and girlfriends. you realize you're back in this stupid website, back being that alone, misunderstood teenager yet again.

and this is why tumblr needs to stay. tumblr is beautiful. it transcends time. when you're busy with your daily life, and you're comfortable with the flow of time, you see this website, this application, and you think, who the fuck uses this? who the fuck needs to be this poetic and emotional all the time? but then, somthing happens. you grieve, maybe you're going through a break up, maybe you failed your exams and need to vent your feelings out with no judgement, and then you come back here. you scroll, and you cry at every post you see. it touches your soul. it makes you feel better that some other being out there might be struggling the same way you are. or maybe you just feel comforted by your old posts. tumblr is like a little time capsule, filled with memories of your sad times, your romantic moments, your highest achievements, all of those moments that make you feel like you have a substance addiction. except this one's legal, and not really tangible. nostalgia is a whole drug in and of itself. sometimes, it hits people so hard, they continue living in the past. it was a happier time, more innocent, less responsibilities, more friends. everything was just less complicated as it is now. and then we cry. because time traveled so fast, and you've changed so quickly, you forgot to savor your moments. as a child, you said you'd never be like those bitter adults. you said you'd know how to spend your money so you'd always have a smile on your face, that you won't become greedy, that you'd travel places and meet people. you said you'd know how like you truly were able to see the future. how is life treating you, pal? why are you here again?

[nspropertymanagement]

Why Creating a Perfect Listing for Your Short-Term Rental is Essential to Stand Out

The short-term rental market in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs and Manly is competitive, and having a great property is only half the battle. To really make your property stand out, you need a listing that catches attention and converts views into bookings. Here’s why getting it right is so crucial.

This is what is vital to NS Property Management

First Impressions are Vital

In high-demand areas like Bondi or Manly, potential guests are quickly scrolling through dozens of listings. Your listing’s headline, photos, and description need to make them pause. A perfect listing grabs attention immediately, showing guests why your property is a cut above the rest.

Photos: Your Secret Weapon

Photos are the number one reason guests choose a property. Without professional, high-quality images, your listing won’t stand a chance. Whether your rental is a beachside retreat in Manly or a luxury apartment in the Eastern Suburbs, great photos sell the dream. NS Property Management ensures that every property we manage is showcased with stunning, professional images that highlight its best features, from ocean views to spacious, modern interiors.

Descriptions That Sell the Experience

While photos capture attention, a well-written description seals the deal. It’s not enough to just list features like “two bedrooms” or “close to the beach.” Your description needs to tell a story, painting a picture of the experience guests will have. Maybe your property offers a morning surf at Bondi or lazy afternoons on the deck with views of Manly Beach. At NS Property Management, we craft compelling descriptions that make guests want to book their stay immediately.

Optimising for Maximum Visibility

A killer listing won’t help if no one sees it. Platforms like Airbnb use algorithms to rank properties in search results, and we know how to play that game. By using the right keywords, smart pricing strategies, and staying on top of platform algorithms, we ensure your property ranks highly. Whether it’s a trendy apartment in the Eastern Suburbs or a laid-back beach house in Manly, we make sure it gets noticed.

Keeping It Real: Transparency is Key

Overselling a property might get you bookings, but it can backfire when guests leave poor reviews because the experience didn’t match the listing. An accurate, transparent listing sets the right expectations, ensuring that guests feel like they got exactly what they were promised. At NS Property Management, we create honest, clear listings that avoid unpleasant surprises and keep your property’s reviews glowing.

Standing Out in a Competitive Market

In hotspots like the Eastern Suburbs and Manly, competition is fierce. That’s why your listing needs to stand out in every way, from the photos and description to its visibility and accuracy. At NS Property Management, we take care of all these details so you can relax while your property reaches its full potential. We know how to highlight what makes your home unique and turn it into a sought-after destination for travelers.

Ready to take your property’s listing to the next level? Contact NS Property Management today and let’s work together to create a listing that brings in bookings and maximises your rental income!

[3videos]

Creating Enchanting Frozen-Themed Birthday Invitations

When planning a birthday party for a child who adores Disney's "Frozen," crafting the perfect invitation is crucial for setting the tone of the celebration. frozen birthday invitations not only excite the guests but also build anticipation for a magical day inspired by the frosty adventures of Elsa, Anna, and their friends. Here’s how to create enchanting invitations that will have little guests singing “Let It Go” right from their mailboxes.

Choosing the Right Design:

The invitation design is the first glimpse into the theme of the party. Opt for cool color palettes like icy blues, purples, and silvers to reflect the Frozen landscape. You can feature iconic imagery such as Elsa’s ice castle, snowflakes, or the beloved characters themselves. For a more personalized touch, use a photo of the birthday child dressed as their favorite Frozen character.

Selecting the Materials:

To make the invitations truly stand out, choose high-quality cardstock with a bit of shimmer or glitter that mimics the snowy sparkle of the Frozen world. You can also consider incorporating tactile elements like ribbons or rhinestones to add a touch of elegance and fun.

Crafting the Wording:

The wording on the invitation should be both informative and whimsical. Start with a catchy opening line such as “Join us for a magical celebration” or “Cool off this summer with a Frozen party.” Ensure to include all vital information such as the date, time, location, and RSVP details. If you're encouraging costumes, make a note of it by adding, “Come dressed in your favorite Frozen attire!”

Innovative Formats:

Move beyond traditional invitations by choosing unique formats like snow globe invitations, which can be customized with small photos and fake snow. Another creative idea is to use parchment paper rolled up into a scroll, tied with a blue ribbon, giving it an enchanting, royal feel.

Digital Invitations:

For a modern twist, consider sending digital Frozen-themed invitations. Many platforms allow you to customize designs with animation and music. This option is not only eco-friendly but also convenient for quick edits and instant delivery.

Interactive Elements:

Make your invitation interactive by including a small puzzle or a game related to the Frozen theme, such as a maze that leads to Elsa’s castle. This interactive element promises fun right from the start and keeps the invitation memorable.

Final Touches:

Before sending them out, add a personal touch with a hand-written note or a Frozen sticker seal. If mailing, consider using custom stamps available through postal services or crafting your own Frozen-themed envelope.

For more info:-

frozen birthday party invites

wedding video invitation

[davidrmaas]

SALVATION FOR THE NATIONS

The Risen Jesus declared, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me, therefore, go and make disciples of all nations!” As the exalted Sovereign over all things, he dispatched his disciples to announce his Lordship and the Good News of salvation to the “uttermost parts of the Earth.” The era of salvation commenced with his death and resurrection; therefore, the offer of reconciliation must be heard on the Earth until the moment the Son of Man arrives “on the clouds of Heaven.”

God exalted Jesus to the Messianic Throne where he now reigns over all things, just as promised in the Scriptures: “I will give you the nations for your inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for your possession” – (Psalm 2:8).

Because of his enthronement, he now empowers his Assembly to preach his Good News to the entire planet. “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judaea and Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the Earth” – (Acts 2:8).

For this reason, the entire creation has proclaimed him “worthy” to rule over the Earth, indeed, over the entire Cosmos: “You are worthy to take the Scroll and open its seals BECAUSE you were slain and purchased for God with your blood men from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation, and made them a kingdom, priests for our God, and they reign upon the Earth” - (Revelation 5:9-10).

Because of his death “for our sins,” God raised him from the dead and “highly exalted him, granting him the name that is above every name,” – JESUS – The one who will reign on the Davidic Throne forevermore. He is now the “King of kings” and the “Ruler of the kings of the Earth.” The nations now belong to him, and no longer to the Devil – (1 Corinthians 15:1-6, Philippians 2:6-11, Revelation 1:6-8,3:21, 5:5-14).

NO DISTINCTION

In this man from Nazareth, the one God who created all men has “spoken” definitively and with great finality, especially in his death and resurrection. The words given previously “in the prophets” were true enough, but partial and preparatory. It is His Son alone who “achieved the purification of sin,” therefore, he now sits “at the right hand of the Majesty on High places” as the Great High Priest who mediates life for his people. Only Jesus attained the salvation that was foretold by the “prophets” – (Hebrews 1:1-4).

The “righteousness of God” is now available to all men “through the faith of Jesus Christ for all who believe, FOR THERE IS NO DISTINCTION.” The offer of salvation is open to all men because of the faithful obedience of Jesus, the one who “died for our sins” – (Romans 3:21-22).

Sin is the Great Leveler that previously condemned every man, woman, and child to bondage, decay, hopelessness, and death, both “Jews and Greeks.” In the end, neither ethnicity nor economic status made any difference. Death awaited one and all.

[Globe photo by Greg Rosenke on Unsplash]

[Read the entire post on the Good News for All Nations website at the link below]

[britswriting]

Desire (46)

Desire Masterlist

Read on Wattpad

I apologize for the person I became whilst writing this chapter lmao

I wrote this till like 5am, I  did my best editing it this morning, but if you see errors, no you don't lmao

Warning: Sexual content, Sexual assault -  they do not go hand in hand.

*Leighton's POV*

Vegas was interesting. Colby flew me in the night before Katrina's birthday, Kat being overly excited to show me around their new house and her recent purchases.

"Look how good the photos turn out with this mirror!" She scrolled through her phone, a plethora of images going by.

That night Sam cooked for us, which surprised me, the four of us playing Uno and Monopoly as we watched Netflix, basking in the fact that we could all hang out together again.

The day of Katrina's birthday, everyone else flew in, and it was overwhelming to be honest.

A lot of these people I haven't seen since our Castle Airbnb, so it was an interesting catch up.

I walked out of Colby's bathroom, seeing him throw on his faux leather jacket.

"Well don't you look yummy" I announced, scaring Colby.

"You've been hanging around Stas too much" He muttered, both of us laughing.

"I can't believe Sam really did buy her a bell" I snickered, grabbing my phone off of the charger, checking my messages.

"You look stunning Leighton" Colby complimented, his eyes running down my body, my cheeks flushing.

"You look like Colby" I teased, placing a few kisses against his lips.

"Take some photos with me?" He asked, opening his camera.

We took a few normal selfies, two of us kissing, and then some funny ones before posing in front of the mirror, following the same pattern.

"Here wait" He snickered, turning around, having me follow his movement before he placed his hand on my ass.

"Why?" I laughed, squeezing his ass and watching him take a few quick photos, pulling me into his arms.

"I love you so much" He murmured against my hair, kissing the top of my head.

"It's not fair that I'm in heels, and you still have a few inches on me"

"Your personality makes up for your height" Colby teased, and I watched him send the photos of me, making one of our silly ones his home screen.

Colby was pretty handsy in the car, his hand slipping between my legs a few times, earning a few glares.

Hand in hand we walked through the door together, bright colorful lights and loud music stimulating our brains as we found a table.

"I'm going to order shots, what would you like Leighton?" Sam asked, Stas offering me to sit next to her.

"Uh... A coke or Pepsi is fine" I offered a small smile, taking a seat whilst Sam and Kat made their way to order drinks.

Being surrounded by influencers again was something I wasn't used to.

I was hyper aware of all of the photos and videos being taken around me, knowing I needed to be careful with Colby before our touchy feely moments ended up on Aaliyah's twitter.

A few people asked me to take group photos with them, mentally eye rolling every time they were shocked I still didn't have Instagram.

"Can I post this to my story?" Stas asked, our recent selfie on her phone, white letting reading "Reunited and it feels so good!!"

"Yeah, I don't care" I smiled, spotting Sam and Kat coming back with drinks.

"Two Pepsi's for Leighton" Sam handed over, and I thanked him, struggling to pop the seal. "Help!" I fake whined, Colby flipping the tab for me, plopping a straw into it. "Thank you" I grinned, Colby leaning down to kiss me, "You're very welcome"

We mingled at the table for a little bit, before Colby came over towards me, holding out his hand.

"I'm wearing heels, I planned on sitting most of the night" 

"And I planned on hanging out with my sexy girlfriend all night"

"So sit" I patted the seat next to me, scooting closer to Stas, leaning barely enough room for her.

"I can't grind on you here" He pouted, my eyes widening.

"I mean, you could, it just would be awkward and you'd probs have bruises from the table" Stas teased, Colby groaning.

"Please, five minutes, that's all I ask" He bargained and I gave in, clasping my hand in his, letting him pull me up.

I pulled my tight skirt down, Colby slowing his pace down so I didn't fall on my face.

I went to wrap my arms around his shoulders, only for him to pivot his body so he was behind me, his hands wrapping around my waist.

"You look and smell so good, I'm going feral" He murmured into my ear, his teeth grazing just above my piercing.

"Did you drink a horny serum or what?" I laughed, letting my head fall back against his shoulder.

"My eyes did the second you walked out of my bathroom looking like dripping gold" 

"Dripping gold? I'm wearing all black"

"Same thing"

"No it's not!" I laughed, Colby's hand resting in front of my vagina, my body freezing.

"What are you doing?"

"Covering what's mine"

"It's already covered by my thong and skirt, dumbass"

"Jesus Christ, did you have to tell me you're wearing a thong?"

"It's black lace too" I smirked, turning around to face him, seeing his jaw clench and his eyes darken.

"I hate you"

"Good"

~

"Should I just" Colby moved a black heart emoji over my face, teasing me.

"You're annoying"

"Fine, I'll share my beautiful girlfriend with the world" He grumbled, moving the heart to the trash.

Colby giggled to himself, making me look over at his phone, seeing he typed out "Night out with my girls", making me roll my eyes and kiss his cheek as he hit post.

a/n: Envision Leigh next to Stas lol I don't wanna edit

By the time we left the bar, almost everyone was drunk, meaning I had to wrangle 10 people back to the house.

I slipped off my heels, holding them in my hands as I winced, climbing the stairs with Colby.

I shut the door behind us, dropping my heels next to it, watching Colby slip his shoes and jacket off, tossing them onto the floor.

I wiped my makeup off, wetting my toothbrush when Colby came in to pee.

"Hey" I frowned, turning away.

"You've seen my dick babe"

"Doesn't mean I wanna see you pee"

"It's my bathroom"

"I was here first"

"My house"

"And if you want me to stay your girlfriend, you'll wait next time"

"You're being dramatic" he muttered, and I spat out the toothpaste, glaring at him.

"For the love of god, if you can't make it into the toilet, sit down!" I scolded, Colby's cheeks going red. "I'm no longer using this bathroom. You're cleaning that"

"I'm too drunk to clean baby"

"Sounds like you problem to me"

I slipped out of the bathroom, leaving Colby to himself.

"You better flush!" I called back, slipping my skirt down my legs, letting out a breath of relief when I could spread my legs more than two inches.

I sat on the floor, letting my legs spread out as I leaned forward.

"What are you doing?" Colby asked.

"Stretching"

"Why?"

"Because being a girl is hard Cole, my hips hurt from being constrained, and my feet kill from trying to look good"

"You always look good baby" he sat down across from me, startling me when his foot touched mine.

"What are you doing?"

"Showing you how ridiculous you look" he leaned forward, mocking me.

"That's rude. You were in skinny jeans all night"

"Pressing against my raging boner, it was quite annoying Leigh"

"Whose fault was that?"

"Yours for looking hot"

I sat up, keeping my legs spread, Colby's eyes widening.

"Leighton Rae Fox"

"What? — Oh" I giggled, "Sorry"

"That was mean"

"It's your fault for getting drunk. You don't think I'm wet from having your cock press against my ass and crotch all night?"

"You're bullying me!" He whined, crawling over to me and softly pushing me down onto the carpet, hovering over me.

"I am not" I laughed, moving my hands under his shirt, running my nails lightly against his back.

"Let me get my dick wet please" he begged, pressing his clothed crotch into mine.

I practically cackled, Colby kissing my neck as I squirmed.

"Sober up Colby, then we'll talk"

"You know what will sober me?"

"Hm?"

"You're pussy juice"

"That's disgusting, shut up"

"You're going to tell me you don't want my tongue playing with your clit?" He asked in a low tone, his breath hitting my ear, my back arching, my boobs pressing against his chest which made my shirt rub against my nipples, a soft moan escaping from my throat.

"I'm not fucking you when you can't even pee in the toilet. What if you put it in the wrong hole? I'm not ready for anal Cole"

I felt his chest vibrate against me, laughing to himself before pressing his lips into mine, practically taking my breath away before muttering "You're cute", placing a sweet kiss to my lips. "You have to fuck me before you leave"

"I don't have to do shit"

"True, but I'd really like to see your pretty cunt glisten under my touch, so I'd be preferred if you did"

"You can't say shit like that when I can't fuck you" I groaned, resisting the urge to press my hips into his.

"You can too fuck me"

"You're too drunk to think straight. I don't want something happening, and you not paying attention to me because you're too focused on cumming. Plus, you'll cum in like 10 seconds and I'll have to finish myself off, and if that's the case, what's the point in having a boyfriend if my vibrator lasts longer, and can make cum?"

"One that's bullying and two, you have a vibrator now?" 

"You bought it. See, you're too drunk-"

He cut me off, "And you've used it without me?"

My brow furrowed, my hands slipping down his back to the waistband of his jeans, resting on the waistband of his boxer briefs. "Wasn't that the purpose of it?" 

"I mean.. yeah" He frowned, before his eyes lit up, "Does that mean I get a vibrator too?"

My eyes widened, my heart racing, "You want a vibrator?"

"Yeah, why not?" He moved off of me, my hands falling to my stomach as he kneels in front of me.

"Alright shut up before I cream my thighs" I groaned, mental images of him running a vibrator over his cock playing on repeat.

"Always a messy girl" he teased.

I rolled my eyes, holding my hands out so he could pull me up.

"We need to get you to bed so I can fuck you in the morning" 

"Fuck" he groaned, watching me stand up and pull my shirt over my head, my bare back to him yet again, except this time his temptations won and I felt him bite my asscheek.

"Hey! That hurt you know"

"I don't care"

"Who's the bully now"

"You. You just stripped to just your black lace thong right in front of me, what did you expect?"

"You to contain yourself"

"What did you call it the other day? Girlfriend tax, wasn't it? Well uh, that's my boyfriend tax!" He grinned, a laugh leaving my body, turning so I was facing him, Colby still kneeling in front of me.

"You look good on your knees"

"Such a dominant girl" he smirked, my hands messing up his hair.

Colby kissed right above my belly button, my stomach flipping at the feeling, my knees practically wobbling.

"Colby, we can't. You're drunk"

"And horny"

"Wait for tomorrow"

"But there are going to be so many people here, and right now, everyone is too drunk to care about our moans"

"I'm not fucking you whilst you're drunk. Would you fuck me if I was drunk?" I asked, his hand grabbing my boob, my hand covering his, going to remove it, until he squeezed. "Cole!"

"Please?" He asked and I shook my head.

"No"

"Please" He tried again, my answer staying the same.

"Fine" he huffed and I grinned, helping him stand up.

"Thank you" I pecked his lips.

Colby stripped down to his boxers, pulling me into his arms on his bed.

"Colby! I need to get a shirt" I whined, groaning at the impact.

"You really don't. Your body is beautiful, let me cherish you baby" He kissed my shoulder blade, letting me wiggle away from him.

"I have a hickey on my boob from when you fondled me in the bathroom" I grumbled, seeing the dark splotch where my skin had been exposed.

"Just marking my territory, darling"

"Don't call me that"

"Why?" He laughed, rolling onto his side to face me.

"Makes me feel old"

"You are old" 

"You're older"

"You've got me there"

I shimmied on his bed, feeling my boobs bounce, Colby's hand cupping them again.

"Keep your hands to yourself or I'm putting on your shirt"

"You act like that's a punishment. My shirt doesn't even cover your ass. Plus, you'd look hot in it, and I can snake my hands under it and squish and squeeze" He squeezed my boobs again for good measure, smirking against my shoulder when I huffed.

"You're clingy"

"You're sexy"

"Back atcha baby"

"Baby huh?" He smirked and I groaned, muttering, "Shut up Brock", feeling his arm wrap across my stomach, my back to his chest.

"Make me baby" He hummed, nipping at my shoulder.

"You need to go to bed" I muttered, feeling my tiredness become stronger.

"I'm too horny to sleep" He mumbled against my skin, pressing his clothed boner against my ass.

"Then go jack off in the shower" I mumbled, shifting forward, trying to create distance, only to have him pull me back into his chest.

"I could just jack off in front of you. I know you come quick when I do that"

"Cole Robert Brock I swear to god-"

"I'm kidding, calm down" He chuckled, his hand snaking up to my neck, cupping my jaw from under my chin, carefully turning my head over my shoulder, leaning up a little so he could kiss me as I muttered, "I hate you" against his puckered lips.

"Good" he mocked, his tone higher pitch, copying me from earlier.

"Fuck you"

"I wish you would" He groaned.

"I'm put a gag in your mouth I swear"

"Kinky"

"COLBY!"

"Okay okay, I'll stop"

"Thank you" I sighed, snuggling more into the pillow, tugging at the blanket, groaning. "You have to share!"

"If you won't share your pussy, I won't share the blanket"

"The fuck? My vagina is not communal, nor for rent" I tugged harder at the blanket he was hogging. He tugged more over to his side, refusing to share. "You know what? Fuck you" I grumbled, moving away from me and shifting so I was on my stomach, my leg bent as I cuddled the pillow.

At least it was Vegas, so it was somewhat warm in here.

I felt the goosebumps rise on my skin and I sighed, feeling Colby's hand touch my ass.

"Touch me one more time and I swear to god I will cut off your dick" I grumbled, over his antics. 

I was too tired to deal with this.

"You're ass is on show though" he pouted, my eyes rolling, even though they were closed.

"It is not my fault if you can't control yourself" 

"Leighton" he sighed, and I felt him move closer to me.

"Don't fucking touch me" I shoved him away the best I could with my back still facing him.

"I'm sorry, please cuddle me" 

"No. You're being an asshole"

"I'm sorry"

"Go fuck yourself" I grumbled, wishing I could pass out.

"Leigh" Colby whined repeatedly whilst I ignored him, until I had enough.

I huffed, swinging my legs to the side of the bed, finding his shirt and snatching a pair of my sweatpants from last night.

I pulled my pants up, and the shirt over my head when he asked, "What are you doing?"

"Go to bed" I grumbled, adjusting his shirt on my waist, snatching my phone off the nightstand, grabbing my charger.

"Where are you going?"

"Somewhere else. Go to bed"

"Leighton, please. I'm sorry. I just-"

"Go to bed Colby. I'm not fucking you whilst you're drunk"

"I'm not drunk anymore-"

"Yeah well you pissed me off"

"I'm sorry"

"I'll see you in the morning"

"Where are you going?"

"Goodnight Colby"

"Leighton!" 

I sighed, shutting the door behind me, making my way to where Stas and Devyn were, knocking on their door.

I heard someone call out about if I was drunk to go away, that they weren't interested in fucking, confusing me.

Was everyone horny when they were drunk?

"It's Leighton, not horny, nor drunk" I announced, hearing Stas laugh.

"Come in!"

"Is there room for one more?" I asked, leaving the door open whilst I found a wall plug.

"I thought you were sleeping with Colby?" Stas asked, squinting from the hall light shining into the room.

"He's drunk and annoying"

"He's a clingy drunk, that's for sure"

"He wants to have sex, and I refuse, and he's being a brat" I grumbled, plugging in my phone and leaving it on the floor to go turn off the hall light. 

"You know he loves you too much to hurt you, right? He'd never like rape you or anything" Stas frowned, shifting over towards the middle, allowing me room.

"I know that" I hissed, "I just don't want to fuck him whilst he isn't thinking straight"

"Your relationship" She mumbled and I stayed quiet, Stas handing me the comforter.

I don't know how long I laid there for, my mind racing as I began to feel guilty before huffing and puffing, climbing out of bed, snatching my phone and walking back to Colby's room.

I hate him.

Colby's room was pitch black, forcing me to use my phone's flashlight so I didn't fall on my face, knowing he left clothes on the floor.

His snores filled my ears as I watched my footing, plugging my phone in and crawling back into his bed.

Thankfully he was passed out, a frown on his face as I stole some of the blanket back.

At some point in the night I shimmied out of the sweatpants, feeling too hot.

I woke up that morning cuddled into Colby's chest, seeing he was still asleep.

Grabbing my phone, I saw it was 10:36am, seeing a message from my dad which ended up being a photo of Gemma asleep, his message reading "Out like a light!" from 10pm last night.

I replied to Aaliyah's texts, raving about my outfit since she followed Colby on Instagram, telling me she needed solo photos, making me laugh as I picked a few, sending them her way.

I laid in bed texting with her since she was three hours ahead, fawning over the photo she sent of River passed out, a little girl snuggled into chest.

Aaliyah: He's a fucking dream, I swear!

11am rolled around, a knock on the door.

"Come in!" I called out as quietly as I could, seeing it was Sam.

"Breakfast is downstairs if you want it. We're leaving at 2 for the painting thing" He informed me and I thanked him, debating if I should wake Colby or not.

I decided against it, slipping out of bed to join whomever was awake for breakfast.

12:30 rolled around and there was still no sign of Colby, so I grabbed him a donut, ibuprofen and a water bottle.

I walked into the bedroom, seeing the bed was empty, the bathroom door shut and the shower was running.

I sighed, setting the things down on his desk, crawling back into bed, only to hear a loud moan come from the shower.

I didn't think much of it, until I remembered how he went to bed with a hard on.

He was a dead man.

I quickly got out of bed, rolling my eyes at the fact he left the door unlocked, letting myself in.

Sure enough the bathroom was steamed, and low groans were heard from behind the fogged over glass.

I pulled my hair out of my messy ponytail, undressing and opening the shower door.

The sight in front of me practically made my clit quiver.

Colby was facing the shower head, his hand tugging quickly at his cock, his wet hair slicked back as his head was thrown back in pleasure, groaning and whimpering with each movement.

My hand grabbed his wrist, his body freezing as his eyes snapped open, his head quickly finding mine.

His lips parted, but he barely got a word out before I dropped to my knees, taking over.

"I said I wouldn't fuck you when you were drunk. Not when you were hungover" I muttered, spitting onto the head of his cock, running my hand over the length a few times.

"Fuck" He groaned, his hand finding my hair, moving it away from my face.

The second he was in my mouth, I swear he was going to come undone within seconds.

I looked up at him, my hand massaging his balls as I pulled my mouth off, "I need you to last for me Colby, I want to play a little bit" 

"Jesus christ Leighton" he groaned.

I watched his face as I took him down my throat, tasting the precum that had slipped out right before I got in here.

I mentally took a picture of his face for when I was needy and alone, wanting to remember just how he looked when I had him right where I wanted him.

He looked so pretty and needy and desperate.

The way his puffy lips would part as he groaned, his stomach muscles flexing as his head got thrown back, his shoulders tensing and his face relaxing.

He was perfect.

I let myself come for air, moving my hands to the back of his thighs, running up to his ass and pushing his hips forward a little, "You can fuck my mouth, Colby" 

I watched more cum run out of his slit, my tongue swiping it up before it could run down his shaft.

"Jesus christ, you're a fucking dream baby" He groaned, whimpering when my tongue played with his slit, his hips rocking against my face as he slid down my throat.

I reminded myself to hum and breathe through my nose, letting him use me however he wanted to.

"I'm so fucking close!" He whined, and I mean whined.

This man was falling apart right in front of me.

"I'm going to.. fuck, I'm going to cum Leighton" He groaned, his movements getting sloppier, his breathing becoming heavier.

I moved along with his hips until I felt him cum down my throat, my tongue running over his slit, feeling him shiver before I dropped his cock, my thumb and pointer finger pinching at my lips, cleaning up anything residual.

My knees were killing me from the shower floor, but watching him fall apart like that was worth it.

The second I was standing, he pulled me into a kiss, his tongue asking for entrance.

Our mouths played for a moment, his hands roaming my body, squeezing my ass and hips.

"You were a fucking dream" He breathed out, his forehead resting against mine.

"You were an asshole to me and I just blew you, so your ass better fuck me good" I muttered, knowing I didn't just bruise my knees for nothing.

He practically fucking growled as he spun me around, my back hitting the shower wall, something falling from the shelf behind me, clattering to the floor as he attacked my lips with kisses and nibbles.

His hand found my clit, giving it plenty of attention before he hooked my leg over his waist, sliding inside of me like it was second nature.

Within minutes I was falling apart under his hard thrusts, and his moans, his fingers messing with my clit as my hands tugged at his hair.

When I got out of the shower, my vagina felt like it had been murdered.

"You fucking wrecked me Colby" I groaned, doing a weird lunge, seeing if it would relieve some of the discomfort so I could sit down and pee.

"I'm sorry baby" he apologized and I glared at him, watching him shake a towel through his hair.

"No you're not" 

"You're right, I'm not"

~

Leaving Colby in Vegas was bittersweet.

I knew I was going to miss him, but I missed Gemma more.

I ended up spending the night at my parents so I could see her that next morning, having gotten back late.

I woke up to my face being slapped, a body wiggling all over me, my daughter's sweet giggles being the first thing I heard.

"Mama!" She squealed, her lips kissing mine, a smile erupting on my face as I popped my eyes open, wincing at how bright it was in here from the stair lights.

"Did you crawl down here all by yourself?" I asked, Gemma snuggling into me, my arms wrapping her into my chest, adjusting the blanket.

"Apa elp!" She replied, her head resting under my chin.

"You love your papa, don't you baby"

Gemma ended up falling asleep against my chest, which melted my heart.

I was practically a puddle of goo anytime I saw her, and her snuggles made it even worse.

I took a photo, sending it to Sam and Colby, letting them know I was safe and sound at home before falling back asleep with my daughter.

Later that evening Gemma and I sat in her room, playing with some toys and books as I tried to teach her words, working on our animal sounds.

Landon had bought her a book where if you pressed a button, it made the animal noise, and after about 10 minutes of hearing it go "A cow goes moooooooo" I was ready to throw it out the window.

"MOOOOOO!" Gemma copied, again.

I swear I was going to hit my head on a wall.

"A sheep goes BAAAAAA" The book spoke, Gemma squealing at the noise.

I've never been happier to hear my phone ring in my life.

I quickly answered it, not caring who was calling, hearing the book say "A cow goes moooooooo" again.

"Are you on a farm now?" Aaliyah laughed, and I groaned, flopping down against the rug, Gemma's knee hitting my cheek as she leaned forward, pressing another button.

"A dog goes, RUFF RUFF"

"Kill me now" I groaned, turning my head to see Gemma press another button.

"A cow goes moooooooo" it repeated

"Mooooo!" She squealed

"Landon is banned from buying her books that talk" I grumbled, feeling a pin point pain in my skull.

"So is uh.. now a bad time to call?" She asked.

"Honestly anything to get me away from this damn mooing will be gladly appreciated" I replied grumpily, getting up off the floor, leaving Gemma to enjoy her book by herself.

"Well I don't really have good news" She said, stopping me in my tracks.

"What? What do you mean"

"So you know how you guys went out for Katrina's birthday?"

"Yes"

"Well.. there is a screenshot of you and Colby kissing, spreading around twitter. Molly sent it to me, asking if it was really you"

"Why didn't she ask me?"

"Honestly? I think you scare her sometimes" She laughed and I smirked.

"Good, someone should be" I joked, tossing a few toys back into her bin, snatching some snack wrappers and an empty juice box off the couch. "Can you send me the photo?"

I felt my phone buzz, putting Aaliyah on speaker as I opened our messages.

Aaliyah:

"How do they even know that's us? It's so blurry"

"It's you, isn't it?" She asked, sounding like she already new the answer.

"Well... yeah"

"It's apparently from some video Kat's friend posted? It's a video of like a 360 spin of the club"

"How do they know it's us though?"

"Leighton, they're not stupid" She laughed, "Plus, someone enhanced the photo brightness, and you can see the outline of the clothes, which match other photos and videos of you guys that friends had posted"

"Is that the only critical one?" I asked, not really knowing what to do with this information.

"I mean there is stuff floating around of you guys looking like friends. Some people think it's like a drunk hookup, others thinking you're dating. It's really a Hodge Podge of stuff out there from what I've seen. The only other one is you guys are somewhat cuddling in the background of someone's video where Sam is playing charades and they scan to Kat, you guys are in like the corner of it"

"So what you're saying is we're basically outed?" I sighed, running my hands through my hair.

"Basically"

"Great. So what are the jealous twelve year old's saying? Do I even want to know?"

"Probably not"

"Alright then. Well, for now that's their own problem. I have my own life to worry about. Some girl whose hymen is still in tact, is not my worry when I need to feed my almost two year old and pay for groceries"

~

"What do you mean it's Halloween themed?" I questioned, Cynthia on speaker as I dug through Gemma's closet, looking for any sort of costume.

"I guess that's what they do through October"

"You're telling me my first time going to this mommy and me shit, I need to dress up? Can I go as an overworked 23 year old who's toddler won't let her sleep and all she has in her fridge is moldy cheese and almost expired milk?"

"Honey, I don't think they'll let you through the door with the moldy cheese" She laughed, Harper squealing in the background, Logan's playful noises cutting out through the speaker.

Mommy and Me time was interesting to say the least.

When we arrived, Gemma was extremely clingy.

She was clung to my leg, begging to be held or plopped in my lap the entire time, until about 20 minutes before the class ended.

I had encouraged her to go play with the other one and a half, two year olds, smiling when she walked up to a little girl who had blonde pigtails, holding some sort of doll.

It was all going well, until some punk ass kid wearing fucking Vans for babys threw a fit, shoving both girls to the ground, the two toddlers erupting into sobs.

The next week we went, Gemma was noticeably nervous.

"Go play love bug" I encouraged, knowing it was important for her to socialize with kids her own age if Gabe and I were going to put her into preschool when she turned 3.

"No go" she shook her head, clinging to my leg.

"How about momma goes with you, and we make some friends together?" I suggested, crouching to her level.

Gemma held my hand as we approached a dark haired toddler who was sitting on the floor, building blocks in front of her.

"Mind if we join?" I asked, a woman shaking her head, scooting over. I sat down across from the woman, Gemma clinging to my shoulder, hiding behind my back.

"She's a shy little one" the woman laughed, offering a friendly smile to my daughter. "I'm April, this is my daughter Noel. She's almost 3" April introduced, my hand going behind my back to try and get Gemma to emerge forward.

"Leighton, and this is my daughter Gemma. She'll be two next month"

"Hi Gemma" April waved, offering her a block. "Want to help us build?" April questioned, Gemma chewing on her fingers like a weirdo.

"Gem, come here" I encouraged, moving my body out of the way. "Want to build blocks with mommy?"

It took a little warming up, but we eventually got the girls to play together, small talk passing the time until we had to leave.

The third week, Gemma was practically leaping out the car.

"MOMMA GO PAY!" She demanded, pointing at the door.

"I'm coming Gemma, hold on"

"Pay now!" She whined, jumping.

"Gemma Lorraine, we do not demand things" I scolded, grabbing the diaper bag and locking the car. "Come hold Mommy's hand please" I held out my hand, only for her to ignore me and run to the door.

I groaned, thankful we had parked at the front of the building.

I carefully grabbed her wrist, attempting to move her out of the entrance, wanting to talk to her.

With a slight struggle and a few warning looks, Gemma finally listened, standing in front me as I crouched.

A woman and two kids passed us, walking in, making it difficult to get the toddlers' attention.

"Can you say sorry to mommy, please?" I asked, Gemma frowning.

"I go pay?"

"If you say sorry"

"Peas?"

"Gemma"

"Pay peas?" She asked again, her sweet tone making it incredibly hard to hold my ground.

"You didn't listen to mommy. You could've gotten hurt. Can you tell mommy you're sorry?" I asked, her lip quivering as someone else walked in, the mom giving me a snobbish look.

"Are-y" she mumbled, a smile on my face as I pulled her into my chest, kissing her forehead.

"Thank you, now are you ready to go play?" I asked, standing up.

"Go pay?" She asked and I nodded, laughing at the smile that was now on her face, her mood changing like a light switch.

April and Noel were already inside, Gemma running over to the little girl immediately.

The entire class they were practically attached at the hip, happily playing together and teaming up for little activities.

I exchanged numbers with April, figuring since they got along so well, we might as well see if we can form some sort of friendship here.

I took a photo of the toddlers holding hands as we walked to the car, sending it to Colby with heart eye emojis.

Separating the two girls was difficult, Gemma crying the entire way home, finally calming down when I passed her a snack, needing to stop for gas, promising her we'd see Noel soon.

Sam, Kat and Colby flew in for Halloween, the three of them hosting their annual Halloween party.

Colby, Gemma, Gabe, Lexi and I wandered through Spirit Halloween, determined to find costumes on short notice, knowing we were stupid for waiting so long.

Halloween was tomorrow, and all I knew was that we were meeting up with April in my parents neighborhood to trick or treat together.

Gabe ended up picking out Gemma's halloween costume, Gemma clutching the package, refusing to let the teenage girl scan it.

Lexi grabbed another one, the girl scanning that and setting it aside, seeing as how Gemma was being stubborn.

The entire car ride home she was babbling to herself, when she went "La la la la la", Gabe instantly switched the radio on.

"That's what that means?!" Colby exclaimed from the middle seat, confusing me.

"What?"

"She asked for la la one day, and I had no idea what it meant"

"Oh" I laughed, "It means she wants music. Aaliyah played her that Harry Styles song one day and Gemma wanted it on repeat and kinda just associated music with the sound. She's kind of addicted to the song"

~

"Apa!" Gemma squealed, running into my parents house, the package in hand.

"Hi princess, what do you have?" He asked, setting his paintbrush down.

"Pwetty kwols" she shook it, my dad laughing a little, pulling her up to sit on his knee.

"Did you find your costume for tomorrow?" He asked, noticing what was on the package.

"Dada" she mumbled, making me chuckle.

"Daddy picked it out" I finished, my dad nodding.

"Your dada has good taste, I bet you'll look adorable" he kissed her cheek, Gemma noticed the red paint next to her, sticking her finger in it and placing it on the paper.

"Gemma! – I'm so sorry!" I quickly apologized, my dad shaking his head.

"It's alright Leighton, all you kids have added your own personal touches to my works over the years" He laughed, Gemma dipping her finger into the green. "Want to help Papa, Gem?" He asked, my daughter nodding.

I watched Gemma put splotches of paint all over my dads once clean and pristine artwork, not seeming bothered at all by it.

I left them to it, figuring I'd go check up on my mom, only to find her sleeping in her bed.

For a split second my heart dropped to my ass, rushing over to check for a pulse, thanking god when I saw her chest moving, my hand grabbing her wrist for extra measure.

Every time I entered this house, I was terrified I'd walk into a room and find her dead. It honestly kept me awake most nights, to the point I'd drive over here late at night and sleep in the house.

The day of Halloween, I got off work early, meeting Colby and Gabe at my parents house, preparing for tonight's shenanigans.

Gabe bathed Gemma whilst I helped my dad grill burgers, cutting up the meat into little pieces, preparing Gemma's dinner.

"There's my clean butt kid!" My dad cheered, Gemma giggling, wrapped in a towel in Colby's hold.

"Apa yum?" She asked, Colby setting her down, letting her run over to us.

"We're making burgers Gem, want to help?"

~

"Can you say Nonna?" I pointed at my mom, crouched next to Gemma.

"Nana!" She clapped, my mom giving her a small smile.

"Close enough" I murmured, kissing her cheek before standing up.

"Hi baby" Mom greeted G, Gemma running up to hug her.

"Na ike ohs?" She asked, showing off her outfit.

"You look so pretty G" My mom smiled, Gemma giggling, spinning.

Gemma squealed when the doorbell rang, her hand trying to reach for the handle before I could open the door.

Gemma was bouncing off the wall as I pulled it open, April, Noel and some man standing on the other side.

"Come in, come in" I smiled, opening the door wider.

April was dressed as a mermaid which was adorable, the two toddlers showing off their costumes to everyone.

"This is my husband Kevin" April introduced, my hand going out to shake his.

"Hello, I'm Leighton, Gemma's mom"

Once everyone was ready, Gabe grabbed the wagon in case the girls got tired, Colby slipping his hand into mine, all of us waving goodbye to my parents.

"Look at my little sister going Trick or treating" Logan teased, carrying Harper in his arms. "If I remember correctly, you hated trick or treating and just had mom buy you a bag of candy" he snickered, Colby laughing.

"You hated trick or treating?" He asked and I shrugged.

"The costumes made me sweaty, I didn't like walking in the dark, and every corner I turned, something jumped out at me. It wasn't worth it for an hour worth of candy"

Colby took photos of videos of Gabe and Kevin walking up to the houses with the girls, Gemma having a big smile on her face as she ran back to me.

"Momma got andy!" She squealed, April and I laughing at how excited she was each time.

We made it down the block before the girls got tired, deciding to make our way home.

"Someone can't hang" I teased Logan, Harper passed out on his shoulder.

"She missed her nap today. It's like she turned one and she all of a sudden hates sleeping" he huffed, and I immediately sympathized with him.

Colby practically begged me to go to his Halloween party, getting me to eventually agree after having me come undone under his tongue within 5 minutes.

"I don't like crowds" I mumbled, Katrina pouring punch into a bowl and I internally groaned when she added Vodka.

Another thing I can't drink here.

"Colby?" I called, turning around, finding him hanging some sort of Halloween décor.

"Yes baby?"

"Do we have non-alcoholic drinks?"

"In the garage"

I sighed, making my way towards the garage, Sam rounding the corner, scaring the shit out of me.

"You asshole!" I gasped, Sam belly laughing at me.

"Sorry Leighton" he laughed, "Didn't see you there"

"No shit! God, just lost a life there"

I grabbed a soda from the garage, Colby popping the tab for me, handing me one half of the banner, standing on the ladder as he pinned it, Sam on the other side, waiting for him to pass him the other half.

By 11pm, people started piling in, making me anxious.

There were so many people here.

I practically clung to Colby for a few hours, only for him to disappear on me when I went to use the bathroom.

I slimmed by multiple bodies, trying to get out of the house that reeked with alcohol and weed when hands landed on my waist.

My mind immediately went to Colby, except I didn't feel his rings

My face scrunched, attempting to turn around, but I was frozen when I heard "Hey sexy" in a low tone, not sounding like Colby at all.

I rolled my eyes, ready to slap this man in the face.

"Take your hands off of me before I make it so you can't have children" I grumbled, wiggling against his hold.

I couldn't hear what he had said before he slipped his hands down where they didn't belong, my elbow quickly finding his ribs, knocking the breath out of his lungs, allowing me time to spin around, standing close to him so he didn't have room to move, his hands tightening back on my hips as my heel stepped on his toes, my knee hitting his crotch, my hand grabbing his throat.

"Touch me again, you're a dead man" I growled, shoving him, making him stumble back, holding his ribs from how hard I had hit him.

I couldn't hear anything around me as my heart raced, the hair on my body standing up, watching this man's eyes darken.

I've never wanted to be anywhere less in my life, than right here in this moment, watching him laser lock on me, barely giving me enough time to move before grabbing me.

One thing that was going through my mind was,

There are hundreds of people here, and yet no one has noticed, nor cared about what was going on?

Simply realizing that, I knew that no matter what was going to happen, I'd simply suffer alone.

Everything felt paralyzed as a door shut, both of us standing in the dark room.

I could hear his words, but I still don't know what he said, not being able to think straight as my head spun.

His hands were on me again, and there was one last thing that crossed my mind,

Colby's going to be so disappointed in me.

* * * * 

I purposefully did not add detail to that, because no one wants to read that. You got the point.

I wrote this so fast last night lol

Written on: December 29th, 30th 2022

Published on: December 30th 2022

Word Count: 6.9k

Part Forty Seven